Travelling to Makkah for Hajj, or any Islamic pilgrimage for that matter, is not only a religious exercise, but a physical and psychological one as well. It is important preparing mentally and practically with things that might occur to make your journey easier and enjoyable.
- Pre-Travel Preparations:
The documents you have to carry are passport, visa, inoculation certificates, health certificate, photographs and travel plan for the trip. Most travel operators will offer briefings prior to the trip, to explain the mechanics or the process, as well as the rites that go with it. Utilise this time to pack properly taking heed on Ihram clothes, gel-based toiletries and health related items.
- Arrival in Saudi Arabia:
While arriving at the airport you can also spend a long time with your luggage in the immigration area because a great number of pilgrims arrives each day. Always bear with you all the necessary papers and do not stress yourself too much. When you have done this, you will be taken to your lodging and then relax and be ready for the rituals that will follow.
- Accommodation and Meals:
The accommodation varies depending on the package that you will choose. Over the conventional plans, there are the luxury plans and due to the short distance to the destination, hotels provided in the luxury plans are closer to Haram than those in the budget plans whereby the latter have been provided V.I.P shuttle services to the hotels which are a little far off. Food may be in your package or locally available; there are many halal restaurants across the range of cuisines to meet everyone’s palate.
- The Rituals:
- For Umrah: On the day of Shariah, one is likely to engage in Tawaf, Sa’i and cutting of hair. These rituals can be done in a few hours but once again good time management, concentration and perseverance is needed due to traffic.
- For Hajj: The rituals, in turn, are more protracted than those described above and may take several days. These include programmes done while in Mina, standing at Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah as well as performing Tawaf and Sa’i. Expect to do a lot of walking and that some areas will be crowded.
- Physical and Emotional Challenges:
May contain crowded environment, long distances to walk, hot and especially during busy seasons of the year. Drink water, wear comfortable shoes, and use the elevator if you need it. The ride is also somewhat emotional, so there will be times you may need to stop and think, smile and say thank you.
- On-Ground Support:
All your travel providers will be available at your service throughout your trip wherever you are at the moment. Generally, there are some specific people within the group to responsible for coordination and answers to questions.
In this way you are setting yourself and your mind up for to make a meaningful journey by focusing your energies and expectations on the spiritual aspects of a pilgrimage.
