Preparing for Hajj and Umrah

Each year, millions of Muslims make the journey of their lives. They come from all over the world with the sole purpose of fulfilling one of Allah's greatest commandments for humanity: Hajj. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that "the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was asked:' What is the best action? ', Sallallaahu' alaihi wa sallam, may Allah bless him and show him .: 'Believe in Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu'alayhi wa sallam). "To him, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam, they asked him: 'What is next (good deed)' He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, He said: 'Participate in Jihaad in the cause of Allah'. Then, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, he asked:' What is next? ? 'He, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Perform an accepted Hajj'. [Al-Bukhari] For more than 1400 years, believers have been doing Hajj to the House of Allah in Makkah. It is an obligation for each and every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his life if he can do it physically and financially. For best and Cheapest Umrah Packages UK.

Pre-Hajj preparations

Because of the importance of Hajj, preparations for it should not be taken lightly. In addition to planning the logistics of the trip, the Muslim must prepare himself Islamically, physically, mentally and financially for this great act of worship. Islamically, one of the most important preparations for this trip is to acquire the necessary knowledge to correctly perform the rituals of Hajj and 'Umrah, and according to the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention). This means studying and learning about Islam, acquiring a high degree of Emaan (faith) to deal with the emotional and physical demands of Hajj, and correctly learning the actual religious rituals and requirements from the beginning to the end of Hajj and 'Umrah. . . Studying and learning about Hajj can be achieved in a variety of ways, from reading books on the subject or using computer programs that use a multimedia format, to taking classes offered by Islamic centers on the rituals of Hajj and 'Umrah. In addition, many travel groups that specialize in Hajj and 'Umrah trips offer Hajj preparation classes, as well as scholars and knowledge students who help Hajj performers perform the Hajj rituals correctly and' Umrah

In addition, it is important to mention that the spiritual preparation for Hajj and 'Umrah is also a lesson on how to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam, who taught the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. them - a lesson that can be transformed into other acts of worship. Preparing for Hajj is a spiritual experience with a period of self-reflection and a lesson in piety and humility. The pilgrim must focus on his sole intention of performing the Hajj. That it is solely for the delight of Allah and in accordance with His Commandment regarding this act of worship. The believer also needs to resolve any conflict or difference between himself and others and seek forgiveness for any act of transgression. This stage of preparation should take place long before the actual departure for Hajj.

Other preparations that must be planned well before the trip are of a financial nature. Simply, going to Hajj costs money. In addition, the pilgrim must pay the old debts (this includes any type of loan), the household bills and leave enough money to pay the living expenses that probably other members of his family who are not doing the Hajj may need. Finally, it is important to complete the will (wasiyyah) before leaving in the Hajj.

Another important step in the preparation of the Hajj is the need to prepare physically for the event. Hajj is not only a spiritual event, but it also requires a lot of physical energy from the participant. Hajj is not a picnic! Completing the rites of the Hajj includes walking a lot, mingling with many people, living at high temperatures (during the summer) and making a great effort. Another important step to physically prepare for Hajj is to make sure you are in medical condition for the trip. People with chronic health problems need to see their primary care physician to discuss any medical risks that need to be addressed before their Hajj experience.