Are you performing Hajj in this sacred month of Dhul Hijja?
How do you prepare for Hajj?
Performing Hajj is a profound and life-changing experience for any Muslim. It is also one of the Pillars of Islam.
As a family, we recently had the privilege of undertaking this sacred journey together. While the spiritual rewards are immense, preparing for Hajj requires careful planning and thoughtful consideration, especially when traveling with children.
However, we have made it easier for your family. Here are our helpful tips for making the most of your Hajj pilgrimage as a family:
- Start Early with Spiritual Preparation
Preparing for Hajj isn’t just about packing your bags. It is also crucial to prepare your self spiritually. We began by explaining the significance of Hajj to our kids. We read stories from the Quran and Hadith about the rites and history of Hajj, helping them understand why this journey is so important. We also explained what are the different acts of worship we perform during Hajj. We also increased our family prayers and recitations, fostering a spiritual environment at home.
- Condition your Body and Mind
One’s overall well-being is the most important when preparing for Hajj. We scheduled medical check-ups for everyone in the family well in advance. Ensuring that vaccinations are up to date, including the mandatory meningitis vaccine, is crucial. We also packed a comprehensive first-aid kit, including medications for common ailments like headaches, colds, and stomach issues.
You wouldn’t want to miss the highlights of the Hajj because you are sick!
- Pack Wisely
Packing for Hajj can be exhausting and demanding, especially with kids coming with you. We made a checklist of essentials, focusing on comfort and practicality. Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of socks were at the top of our list. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. For our children, we included their favorite snacks and small toys to keep them entertained during long waits.
Bonus tip: Get a neck bag or Ihram belt to keep the things you bring with your daily such as passport, money, phone, etc!
- Financial Planning
Performing Hajj is an expensive privilege. Plan ahead of time to take into account the expenses for your Hajj. In our case, we started saving early and budgeted for all possible expenses, including travel, accommodation, and food. It’s also wise to have some extra money for emergencies.
We made sure to explain to our kids about the cost and the importance of being mindful of our spending.
- Learn the Rituals with your Family
Understanding the rituals of Hajj beforehand can make the experience more meaningful and less stressful. As a family, we watched educational videos and attended seminars at our local mosque. We practiced the steps of Tawaf and Sa’i in our living room, turning it into a fun and educational activity for the kids.
We also read references on what are the things we need to prepare before, during, and after performing the Hajj!
Tip: Use internet at your advantage! Do research about preparing for Hajj!
- State Hydrated and Eat Well
The heat in Makkah can be intense, so staying hydrated is crucial. We carried reusable water bottles and made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eating well-balanced meals was also important to maintain our energy levels. We tried to stick to familiar foods to avoid any stomach upsets.
- Practice Patience
Performing Hajj is physically and emotionally demanding, especially when you bring your children with you. Patience and flexibility are key.
We took breaks when needed, kept a positive attitude, and supported each other through the challenges. Reminding ourselves and our kids that every hardship during Hajj is a test of our faith helped us stay focused and calm.
Preparing for Hajj as a family is a rewarding and enriching experience. With careful planning, spiritual readiness, and a positive mindset, you can ensure that this sacred journey is meaningful and memorable for everyone.
Parents, take this opportunity to teach your children about the beauty of Islam and the importance of faith, unity, and perseverance.
We hope that we have helped your journey to performing Hajj a bit easier with these helpful tips!
May your Hajj be blessed and may you return with a heart full of gratitude and peace.