Minaret/ مینار

I finished my Umrah Mashallah ! Got sick after that. Will update my hajj journey later after finishing my Hajj journey In Sha Allah! I have some interesting stories to tell. 

Hajj stoning to be shortened after deadly stampede

There are four rituals of Hajj that are called pillars because these have to be performed and your Hajj will not be valid without these. There can be no compensation or Kaffarah that you can act upon to make your Hajj accepted.These are :
1 . State of Ihram: It means that you have to get ready to perform hajj and this involves dress, intention and abstaining from certain acts.
2. Standing at Arafat:  Arafat is a plain about 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Mecca. Mount Arafat reaches about 70 m (230 ft) in height and is also known as the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah). Muslims should pray in Arafat from noon of 9th zilhajj to dawn of 10th zilhajj.
3. Tawaf -ul Ifaadah (also called Tawaf al-ziyyarh).  It can be performed from morning of  10th Zil-hajj to the sunset of  12th  Zil-hajj . After performing this tawaf pilgrim releases him or herself from Ihram.or Tawaf as ziyarah:
4. Sayee between Safa and Marwa:This is the Sa‘y of Hajj, and its time for the one who makes Tamattu‘ Hajj begins immediately after standing at ‘Arafah and Muzdalifah and performing Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah. As for the one who makes Qiraan Hajj or Ifraad Hajj, it is permissible for him to perform Sa‘y after performing the Arrival Tawaaf.

It has been hectic to gather all things for hajj journey. I am almost done and ready to fly at the end of August to embark upon this endeavour of love. Here the things that I have packed:

• Drink enough liquids (water, juices, etc.) regularly.
• Avoid exposure to the sun for long, and use an umbrella when necessary. Light colored umbrellas are recommended.
• Avoid making excessive effort, and keep to take sufficient sleep after performing each of the Hajj rituals, so as to restore your energy.
• Loose, light colored cloths are recommended. Don't use heavy cloths.

• Maintaining personal hygiene, bathing regularly, and washing hands well by using water and soap, or other disinfectants used for handwashing, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• Using handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing by covering the nose and mouth, and then eliminating them in the trash. In case there are no handkerchiefs at hand, use the upper arms rather than hands.
• Using a face-mask, especially in crowded places, and changing it every now and then.
• Paying close attention to the oral and dental cleanliness.
• Eliminating wastes in the trash.

• Changing clothes with new ones every now and then.
• Remember that using your own shavers, and not sharing others with theirs, is the best way to protect yourself against the infection of hepatitis (B) and (C), and maybe AIDS.
• Choose a suitable barber, and never go to street barbers.

• Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.
• Verify of the expiry date when buying canned foods and drinks.
• Keep away from the uncovered food, since it is exposed to insects and pollution.
• Wash your hands well before and after preparing food.
• Wash your hands well before and after eating.
• Cooked food should be eaten immediately after cooking, and, when need be, it could be kept in the fridge.

• Consult your doctor before setting out for Hajj, to assess your health situation.
• Take with you sufficient medications, and keep them properly.
• Take medicines on time.
• Adhere to the doctor's instructions, such as following a certain diet.
• Put on the wrist strap (or the information card), which shows your name, age, disease, the kind of treatment, address and contact information.
• You'd better tell your fellow pilgrims about your disease and proper medications, so that they can help you when necessity be.
• Avoid making too much effort, and use the Hajj legal concessions (like assigning someone to do the stoning ritual on your behalf), when the conditions of such concessions are true.
• Head for the nearest health center when necessity be.
• For more information on chronic diseases, check out the chronic diseases section in the Main Menu.

Mediana is ready to welcome hajj pilgrims

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) August 8, 2016 ">