Handy Hajj Tips for Ladies

Aliya Khan and Ruhaifa Samir offer a compilation of handy tips for ladies to enable them make most of their Hajj.

Congratulations to those, who have made the intention to go for Hajj this year! You are embarking on a monumental and life altering journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your pilgrimage.

What to do before Hajj:

• Start an exercise routine. Walking is ideal to get you in shape for the rituals of Hajj.
• Read books to learn about Hajj.
• Learn the Talbia and favourite supplications.
• Don’t just promise to do Duas for other people - better write them down; also make a list of your own Duas as well.
• Practise silence.
• Reflect. Think about the permanent changes you want to see in your life post-Hajj. Make it part of your Niyah.
• Pray for an easy and Mabroor (accepted) Hajj.
• Make cards according to the days of Hajj, listing Duas and rituals to be done that day.

What to take with you: Besides the usual, here are some tips for things that will add convenience to your Hajj, InshAllah:

• Get Abayas with pockets.
• Bring with you scissors, so your Mahram can cut your hair after Hajj.
• Carry with you a spray bottle (for Wudu), a small bag that can be used for Sutra, some clean dirt for Tayammum and a Quran with translation.
• Arrange a sim for your phone. Keep your phone, some money and contact numbers of your group/organiser in your Abaya pocket at all times.
• Know your hotel and room number. Wear the identification tag your Hajj group gives you at all times!
• Keep a little notebook for writing down the lessons learned during Hajj.

What to do during Hajj:

• Don’t keep calling home every day. Concentrate more on your Hajj.
• Try your best to pray Tahajjud every day.
• Don't commit sin by trying to do the Mustahab, such as pushing through men to kiss the Black Stone.
• Decide on a favourite Dhikr or Dua, so you can concentrate on it, whenever you feel distracted.
• Walk patiently and calmly during Tawaf. Don’t get angry, when others push you. It is advisable to expect a bit of chaos; try focusing on your learned Duas.

How to behave during Hajj:

• Stay calm during Hajj.
• Don’t talk much.
• Don’t concern yourself with other people's issues and help them only if they seek your help.
• All the Hujjaj are Allah’s (swt) guests. Be afraid of doing anything to upset anyone. In case if anyone annoys you consciously or unconsciously, forgive and forget!
• Lower your expectations as in presence of thousands of Hujjuj it is natural to have little troubles.
• Don’t lose your temper at the organizers, in case you are unhappy with the arrangements.
• Be prepared for hardships and don’t keep running towards comfort.
• Keep yourself open to whatever comes your way, good or bad. Embrace it as your contribution in the way of Allah (swt).

What to do after Hajj:

• Do self evaluation after Hajj; a Mabroor Hajj must change you permanently and make you more obedient to Allah (swt).
• Use learning from the Hajj to plan for your remaining life.
• After coming back, don’t tell long stories of your Ibadah and Taqwa to others, as it may be counted as act of self-praising (vanity).
• After returning or on your flight back, write down what you learnt from the Hajj experience.
• Some people come back with stories of dirty bathrooms at Mina and the hardships they faced. Others come back with brighter hearts and enlightened souls. Be one of the latter.

Your Hajj will be quite a journey. You will learn from it only if you are ready and willing to 'receive'. Pray to Allah (swt) to make this Hajj a means of bringing you closer to Him. May Allah (swt) accept your Hajj. Ameen.