Hajj is an experience of the lifetime. Over 3 million pilgrims from all over the world gathers in Makkah to perform Hajj. The heat and the crowd can be frustrating sometimes. For hujjaj going to Makkah for Hajj this year, we have compiled some very useful tips from a hajji who performed hajj last year.

1. Best time for tawaf is usually around 8am after sunrise. It is less crowded than cooler times like after Maghrib and there is a shade on one side of the Kaabah.

2. When doing tawaf stay in a train chain (instead of side by side holding hands) with your family holding onto each others bag at the back and keep moving. This way you can avoid pushing people.

3. At the green light where tawaf starts people start pushing due to trying to get out, just stand back and let people leave first then more space is available to continue your tawaf.

4. Use water spray fan to spray yourself and others during the heat in tawaf (more rewards inshaAllah).

5. Sleep is essential for your body especially on this arduous journey. Try sleeping between after Fajr and Dhuhr time to energizer your body.

6. Take lots of Vitamin C soluble tablets and vitamins to help fight any flu and infection during your trip.

7. Wear leather or grips socks during sa’ee (for women only) as walking on marble can make feet more painful.

8. Avoid going to the Hateem for ‘Tawaf Sunnah Prayer’. The Sunnah prayer can be prayed anywhere in the Masjid al Haram.

9. Be kind and careful to let elderly people go first throughout your journey.

10. Reuse plastic bottles from your Hajj agency to refill water with zam zam and avoid wasting more plastic cups. You can use these small bottles to then pack in your luggage and gift to loved ones.

I pray these tips are useful to all traveling on this sacred hajj journey. May Allah make this journey easy on you and enable you to complete this journey with ihsan (excellence).

Hajj tips By: Lotifa Begum