Haj Experience & Tips
Assalamualaikum Everyone!
Back again at blogging after being hiatus for a long while. I have a few good reasons.
1. I went for my hand surgery.
2. I went for my first ever Haj trip.
3. I got quite ill.
But I am back now and 2 blog posts up recently! YAY!
As I mentioned, I went for my Haj trip and I want to share with you some of what I wish I know more before I went. Basically, everything that could make your trip better, smoother and to its fullest potential.
Disclaimer: I am in no way a religious preacher or teacher. All I'm giving is just advice based on my own experience. Know that everyone's experiences are different.
What you need to know
Haj Application with MUIS.
The waiting list is long and getting longer each year. I applied about 7 years ago. During my application, the wait list was about 5 years. The waiting list now is about 50 years (10 times longer). If you think you are only 21 and it is too early to decide, think again.
Singapore quota for Visa to enter Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is less than 1,000. We du'a that the quota will be increased significantly once the upgrading in Mecca is done. But for now... Start applying.
Cost
The cost to perform pilgrimage in Singapore is increasing every year. When I paid for my parents in 2014, it was about $12,500 per person for a 29 days trip. I went for a 20 days trip this year and it cost me $13,300 per person. Thats a significant increase.
Know your needs
When I say, know your needs, it means what you need, not what you want. You have to understand that you will not be near the Kaabah during your Ihram period. You will be staying in a shared bedroom with 3 other people of the same gender and share a toilet. Therefore, you have to be fast and patient, especially as everyone have to use the toilet to take wudhu, shower etc. What I needed was a toilet of my own as I have toilet issues and may make others feel disrupted if I'm in the toilet for too long. Therefore, I paid an additional $1000 each to have a room with my husband. Just the two of us. Of course, we have to know and follow the dos and don'ts of Ihram.
Go for your classes
If you have been to Umrah before, the deal is about the same, except that you are wearing your Ihram longer, you are visiting Arafah, Mudzalifah and also Jamrah. These are the challenging ones.
Therefore, you should seek clarification for any uncertainties that you may have.
Getting yourself ready
This is extremely important. Get your jabs at least one month before you go.
1. Get the Flu jab and the Meningococcal (this is compulsory).
2. Take vitamins supplement at least 3 months before you go.
3. Drink lots of Vitamin C (Berocca or Rexodon)
4. Exercise, a lot of walking is required. Start slow, if you have not exercised in a long time like me.
Make sure you are able to walk up to 5km comfortably.
There are going to be people from all over the world, and a total of up to 5 million people in one place. There tend to be viruses around that you may catch. Get your body well prepared for it and fight against it.
For women, who are still menstruating, if the date of your travel falls within your periods, do go to the doctors to get medication for your menses to be delayed. Do know that it is not 100% delayed. Ultimately, it is still up to Allah.
What to bring
I had a hard time with these. This is my first time. How much clothes do I bring for a 20 days trip?
What else do I need to bring?
My first tip is, know the temperature. My Haj was extremely hot and dry. Temperature ranges from 42 degrees celsius to 50. It was 50 in Arafah. Drink plenty of water and avoid juices, soft drinks, cordial from there, they cause sore throat.
- Bring light clothing if the temperature is hot when you are going. Bring about 7 abaya or pant suits. When in Shisha, there are laundry services available and you can wash them there. They dry super quick!
- Bring plenty of under garment, cotton is great or those Uniqlo's seamless one.
- Bring 2 sets of clothing for sleep.
- A few set of tudongs/shawl/instant scarfs. A mini telekung and a telekung (just the top will do). The telekungs are for those days when you don't have the time to pin your scarfs. It is super handy.
- A water bottle to refill your Zam Zam water every time. Drink as much as possible.
- A battery operated/chargeable hand fan with water mist (essential for Arafah).
- One or two power bank.
- Sandals and slippers for going to Mosque with a plastic bag.
- Socks (those with rubber at the bottom is a plus as the floor in Masjidil Haram is slippery) I bought 7 as well.
- Hand socks
- A pocket or sling bag friendly Quran.
Last but not least, your Niat of going there. For Allah and for Ibadah.
Usually, the agencies that you are going with will give you a list of things to bring. There are a few that are not listed.
I hope this will help some of you who are performing your upcoming Umrah or Haj.
If you have any clarification, please comment down below.
I will write more on what to expect during the trips and more tips, In Sha Allah.
Apologise for the lack of photos, as I did not intend to take photos for sharing, but just for memories.
Xoxo
'Ain
