In today’s blog, let me explain what you need to buy and prepare yourself for hajj. Hajj is a spiritual journey and this year around 25 lac pilgrims around the world are coming to perform the hajj. The Saudi government has made excellent arrangements for the pilgrims, and Hajj has been organised magnificently. The brilliant efforts of the Saudi government have to be appreciated for their management and extraordinary planning and execution of Hajj 2024.
Hajj 2024 Preparation
Shopping for Hajj in Makkah
Zam Zam Tower in front of King Abdul Aziz Gate of Haram is ideal for shopping, as you can get almost everything you need for Hajj or Umrah from here. It is also known as the Clock Tower. For shopping, the third floor (P3) is an ideal place.
Abraj Avenue
Abraj Avenue is a mall where you can find everything you need to buy for Hajj. Most people buy the things they need for Hajj from their homeland before starting their journey, but this is the recommended place if you have forgotten something or have any urgent needs.
The best part of this shopping mall is that every international brand is available here, such as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Mont Blanc, etc.
Ihram
You need an Ihram, and you can buy one from here; all varieties are available. The one thing that must be considered before buying an Ihram is that it must be made of a material that can keep you cool in this hot, blazing weather. It is recommended to keep an extra Ihram with you in case one gets very dirty or something spills on it, You will have one extra to wear at that time.
Prayer Mat
A Prayer Mat is an essential item you will need during your spiritual journey. There is a huge variety of Prayer Mats you can find here.
Abaya
There are abaya shops in the mall and ladies can find all sorts of Abayas here. There is a huge variety and the best part is national and international brands are available here.
Power Bank
A power bank is also one of the most important items you will need during the Mubarak journey of Hajj. It does not mean that you are required to use your mobile all the time but a power bank will help to keep your mobile charged and you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones.
Slippers
Comfortable slippers will make Hajj easy for you and you will find these types of slippers easily here. It is prohibited to wear sneakers or any shoes that have their front closed; hence, slippers are ideal for Hajj.
Water Bottle
A water bottle is also an essential item that helps keep pilgrims hydrated, and it is advised to refill the bottle whenever possible. Keep a strict check on your water to stay hydrated; dehydration causes various problems, such as body pains.
Umbrella
An Umbrella is a must and you should buy a small umbrella so you can easily carry it.
Counter
The counter is also an accessory that will constantly remind you to keep doing Azkars. Of course, everyone keeps reciting dua and Azkar during Hajj.
Soap without fragrance
It is important to take good care of hygiene during Hajj, and as fragrance is not allowed, it is important to keep a fragrance-free soap in your handbag as it will help to wash hands.
Dry Fruits
It is important to stay hydrated and energetic during Hajj, Sometimes people are unable to eat due to tiredness, extreme heat, and stress, or they do not like the food provided in Mina, so it is important to keep dry fruit with yourself. It is easy to carry and gives instant energy.
Pickle
For Indians and Pakistani pilgrims, the taste of the food is very important, and most of the time, people do not like the taste of the food. To fix this issue, pickle bottles can help, pilgrims can eat any food by adding pickles to them.
Special Initiative by Public Authority for Road Saudi Arabia
Now that we have discussed shopping, let me tell you about a special initiative by the Saudi government. It is about the roads they have transformed by using a white plastic-like substance. This initiative has been taken to ease the journey for the pilgrims, as it can lower the temperature by up to 20 degrees. It has been done to the roads in Arafat.
Pakistani and Indian Pilgrims in Aziziyah
Aziziyah is a place where Pakistani and Indian pilgrims stay and there are buildings allocated for them. Inside these buildings, they are served food, and that food, is included in their package. If they wish, they can also eat from outside.
Shuttle Bus Service
Shuttle bus service is available and this bus takes you back and forth to Haram. The service is available 24 hours for the pilgrims. It takes them from their buildings allotted by the Saudi Government to Haram and brings them back.
White Paint on Roads
The white paint has been applied to the roads for pilgrims to protect them from intense heat, and extreme weather forecasted by the Meteorological Department of Saudi Arabia. It lowers the temperature by 20 degrees. It is an amazing effort by the Saudi government, and the Muslim Ummah is grateful for their services to pilgrims.
Tents and Marquees for Pilgrims in Arafat
The tents and marquees are fully equipped with a sofa bed and air conditioning. This is where pilgrims stay here on the 9th Zil Hajj and listen to the Hajj sermon.
Muzdalifah
In addition to the road painting in Arafat, Muzdalifah’s roads are also being painted. Muzdailfah is a place where you spend the night after leaving Arafat after listening to the Hajj Sermon and offering Zuhur and Asar prayers.
Masjid-E-Khaif
Masjid-e-Khaif is a mosque where 70000 pilgrims offered prayer and it is situated at the place in Mina where the tent of our beloved Prophet was located. Pilgrims come to Mina on the 8th Zil Hajj. Zuhr prayer has to be performed here according to Sunnah and then has to stay till the next day fajar time. After that, pilgrims move towards Arafat to perform Wuqoof-e-Arafat. Then, on the 10th Zil Hajj, pilgrims leave for Muzdailfah
Medicines and Supplements to keep during Hajj
It is important to keep multivitamins with you to keep you healthy and rejuvenated. You must take these multivitamins daily. There are other lists of medicines that you should keep with you during Hajj, such as
Panadol
Vitamin C
Anti-Rash Cream.
