What is Hajj?

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that every Muslim is called to do at least once in their life, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Throughout the 5–6-day journey, believers recreate the path Muhammad himself took as the native son returning home to his tribal home as the leader of the new religion. Beginning in Mecca, a holy city located in Saudi Arabia, believers then travel to Min, Arafat, the Valley of Muzdalifa & The Jamarat before walking back to Mecca.  Hajj itself is a spiritual duty and, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime event. While taking away as much as you can from this pilgrimage is important, it is also vital to ensure that you are appropriately protected.

Risks of Hajj Pilgrimage

Partaking in the Hajj pilgrimage puts you in close proximity to 2-3 million people. These large crowds increase the risk of transmitting and becoming infected by various illnesses that spread through close contact.

Because of the need to protect others while in the large crowd, there are some vaccines required before traveling in the Hajj pilgrimage:

According to the Saudi Arabian government, vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is mandatory for all pilgrims.

The Saudi Arabia government also recommends that anyone partaking in Hajj receive vaccines against pneumonia. From a travel medicine point of view, we additionally recommend vaccination against poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, and diphtheria/tetanus. However, these vaccinations are not mandatory.

Heat Stroke

Since Hajj takes place in the warm summer months, those who undertake its pilgrimage are at risk of heat stroke from overexertion. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, sudden bouts of chills, or feeling dizzy. Those who are older or with preexisting conditions are at an even higher risk of heat stroke.

Food Poisoning

Those traveling for Hajj have many different food options, including restaurants and local vendors offering food within the cities. However, food poisoning is also one of the most common issues that those who partake in Hajj experience, with symptoms that include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps or pain
• fever
• diarrhea

Tips For Staying Healthy During Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage is intended to test temperament and patience while also being emotionally, spiritually, and physically challenging. This is why it is crucial to properly prepare yourself for this challenging yet rewarding opportunity.

Prepare For Physical Exertions

A considerable amount of walking is expected with the Hajj pilgrimage, with pilgrims expected to walk between 5 km – 15 km each day. For someone who spends most of their time sitting, this can be challenging to keep up with and sometimes dangerous. By physically preparing the body for the exercise it will endure, you can ensure that you will be able to keep up without harming your body.

In preparation for Hajj, begin a regular walking habit so that your body is better able to keep up with the long and subsequent days of walking.

Drink Lots of Water

With all the walking during Hajj, it is essential to remember to drink lots of water. This can be easy to forget because of all the activities going on, but hydration is crucial for maintaining your health during these five days.

Additionally, temperatures during Hajj are likely to remain above 40°C, so drinking lots of water is crucial for avoiding heat strokes.

Prioritize Hygiene

Frequently wash or sanitize your hands, especially before and after eating, coughing, using the bathroom, or sneezing. Additionally, try to refrain from touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, as this is how infections spread into your body. Another way to prevent the spread of disease is by avoiding hugging or shaking hands with those you don’t know.

Be Mindful of Food

To help prevent food poisoning during Hajj, be careful about the foods you consume. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, and always use clean cutlery and plates.

Additionally, if your food has an unusual or unpleasant texture, smell, or taste, do not eat it. Trust us, if something seems off about it, it is much better to be safe than sorry. Also, check to make sure all food, especially meats, has been thoroughly cooked.

Safety During Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for those who believe, providing them with a chance to feel closer to Muhammad. It is a significant journey for Muslims to take, but it is also important to take certain precautions to protect your health while undertaking this pilgrimage.

First and foremost, vaccines are required for four infectious illnesses before traveling to protect the health of you and those around you during Hajj. There are also additional vaccines that are recommended to further protect your health.

In addition to illness, heat stroke and food poisoning are two other common problems affecting individuals during Hajj, so it is crucial to also protect yourself from these. Overall good health habits involve drinking lots of water, practicing good hygiene, and being mindful of the food you eat.

With these recommendations and tips, you can keep yourself healthy as you travel the spiritually significant path and partake in this meaningful experience.

References

SACRED JOURNEYS WITH BRUCE FEILER | The Hajj. (2023). https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sacredjourneys/content/the-hajj/

Hajj and Umrah Health Requirements | The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2023). https://www.saudiembassy.net/hajj-and-umrah-health-requirements

Morris A, Patel G. Heat Stroke. [Updated 2022 Apr 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537135/

Food poisoning. (2023). https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/food-poisoning