HEALTH TIPS FOR HUJJAAJ – PART 3

Due to preparations and functions most Hujaaj are lack sleep even before leaving home. This is compounded by the journey, especially if via an indirect route and includes a bus journey to the destination, which usually equates to 2-3 nights sleep lost by the time one reaches the Haramain. Moreover, people often choose to invert the normal day/night cycle i.e. sleep during the day and are awake through the night. This is a major stress to the body in addition to those mentioned previously and usually takes about 2 weeks to adjust to. If possible, one should avoid this inversion, as the lack of sufficient night sleep suppresses the immune system, decreases ones resistance to infection and making it easier to fall ill. Moreover, many Hujaaj have difficulty readjusting when they return home and fall ill again.

White cotton material reflects heat and facilitates the bodies cooling mechanisms. Given the expected weather during the coming Hajj season, especially during the 5 days of Hajj, it is highly recommended that garments be made from the above. Unfortunately, black synthetic materials has resulted in the high number of heat exhaustion cases seen during the recent Hajj and the high number of drips required in Mina and Arafah. One cannot compare themselves to Arab sisters who have acclimatized and are accustomed to wearing black in the scorching heat.

The 5 Days

Given the fitness levels of most of our Hujaaj, coupled with the extreme heat, it is recommended that Hujaaj only walk when no transport is available/provided this minimises the risk for heat exhaustion/heat stroke and allows the Haji to conserve energy for the important wuqoof especially at Arafah. Many who choose to walk are unable to do justice to the wuqoof, due to fatigue and exhaustion.