Before the Hajj pilgrim (especially older persons) set out for the Hajj blessed journey, it is recommended to see the family doctor to check on his health; or, in case he has been suffering from an illness (old and new alike), he has to see his treating physician to know exactly what to do. Also, it is necessary for every pilgrim to know his blood group and write it down on his Hajj bracelet. Needless to say, he should also take the necessary vaccinations for the prevention of infectious Hajj diseases (meningitis, etc.). In addition, it is pivotal for patients taking medications for their illnesses to continue to take such medications regularly, and never neglect if for whatever reason. It is advisable for pilgrims, also, to put on the Hajj bracelet: is a plastic bracelet containing the pilgrim's name, nationality, address, health condition, and blood group.
This bracelet is important for these reasons:- Helping the pilgrim and guiding him, as well as his family and his companions, in case he gets lost.
- Helping the pilgrim to quickly receive health services (ambulatory and diagnostic), when necessary.
- Helping facilitate the health and administrative procedures in cases of emergency.
- Consequently, dear Hajj pilgrim, it is very important to keep the bracelet around your wrist throughout the Hajj days. That aside, it should be noted also that the agglomeration of millions of people in one place for the performance of Hajj rites is very likely to entail tough environmental conditions for some pilgrims (especially the elderly), causing them various health problems. Reasons for that may include:
- Congestion of pilgrims in the Holy Sites, where the Hajj rites are performed, such as circumambulating the Ka'ba (Tawaf), stoning (Rajm), walking between Safa and Marwa (Sa'i).
- Failure to maintain personal hygiene, public cleanliness, or the cleanliness of foods and drinks.
- Severe fatigue owing to the long unremitting walk during performing the Hajj rites, or due to staying up late at night or sunstrokes.
- Having some disease prior to the Hajj, and the disease is further worsened and complicated by fatigue.
- Neglecting the preventive measures and procedures (such as taking the recommended vaccinations, and following the health instructions befitting each pilgrim.)
- Lack of health awareness among many of the pilgrims coming from different regions.
- Susceptibility to injuries due to going to dangerous places in the mountains, as well as traffic accidents.
- Congestion and stampedes with shoulders and hands during the Tawaf and Sa'i. This may hurt the elderly, women, the disabled and children; especially insisting on kissing the Black Stone whereas it is sufficient to point to it by hand.
- Selfishness of many of the pilgrims, and having no respect for the rights of others; as they act in a way endangers the others' lives, or afflict them with various diseases.
- Heat at open areas, without following the precautions of safety and prevention of sunstrokes (such as the use of umbrella and drinking a lot).
- Squatting on the streets surrounding the Two Holy Mosques, especially at Mina and the routes to Arafat, and dumping garbage on the streets. This phenomenon is so unhealthy.
- Dear Hajj pilgrim, it is advisable to behave in a way that befits your age and health condition. So, keep away from the overcrowded places, and do not overburden yourself. Overcrowding is a fertile environment for infectious diseases. It may also cause some pilgrims, especially the elderly, to fall down, leading to fractures and bruises. And proceeding from the fact that Islam is a religion of ease rather than difficulty, there is no need for congestion to perform the 'Rajm' rite immediately after the midday, as stated by the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz and other reverend religious scholars. The 'Rajm' rite, thus, could be performed over the day in less crowded hours.
- Besides, it would be of pivotal importance to launch joint health campaigns, starting months before the Hajj, aiming to raise the pilgrims' awareness in their countries, in coordination with the Saudi Embassy in each country. Through such campaigns, the health authorities of each country, already experienced in Hajj issues, can provide pilgrims with the necessary tips and instructions. It is also indispensable that religious lessons and lectures on Hajj given throughout the Islamic World contain behavioral instructions, telling the pilgrim how to act in various Hajj situations and circumstances.