The Umrah pilgrimage is extremely laborious in nature. Pilgrims have to walk and stand for hours as part of the holy rituals with their cheap Umrah packages. In such a scenario, people having physical or health constraints can find it challenging to complete their pilgrimage in a healthy and safe manner. Other than that, even for healthy adults, there are some necessary considerations to enjoy a peaceful and healthy pilgrimage.
Here’s how you can perform a healthy Umrah.
1. Carry a first aid kit.
When departing for Umrah, don’t forget to pack a basic first aid kit for the holy journey. It should consist of all of the necessary and precautionary medicines. Such as anti-allergies, cold/flu relief, pain killers, anti-diarrhoea and nausea medicines, muscle relaxants, multivitamins, and a basic kit to treat small wounds. In addition, insect bite/sting relief is also a plus.
If you are on medical treatment or suffering from any chronic disease, bring a sufficient supply of these medicines for your pilgrimage stay period in KSA. This is essential because you might not find the right medicines for your needs there or they might not be that much effective.
2. Take care of your personal and oral hygiene.
Taking great care of your oral and personal hygiene is key to having a healthy Umrah experience. Pilgrims from all across the globe have gathered there, as a result, such places can become a hotspot for the spread of viral and bacterial diseases.
If you are mindful of your personal and oral hygiene not only you can minimize the risk of falling ill but also ensure a safe environment for your fellow pilgrims.
- Carry your essential toiletries and avid sharing them with fellow pilgrims.
- Wear neat and clean clothes
- Bathe regularly.
- Wash your hands before eating anything.
- Maintain personal space.
3. Receive necessary vaccination shots.
Vaccinations are a must for a healthy Umrah. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah makes it essential to receive specific vaccinations (according to your region of travel) and then arrive in Makkah for holy rituals. Any pilgrim arriving without receiving necessary vaccination shots cannot enter KSA.
The necessary vaccinations required from every pilgrim, regardless of their travel region, are; Polio, Yellow fever, seasonal influenzas, and Meningitis.
One should not compromise on receiving the necessary vaccinations, especially the elderly people, pilgrims suffering from chronic diseases, asthmatic diseases and pregnant women.
4. Eat healthy and clean.
Avoid junk food as much as you can and rely on a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. If possible, prepare your meals yourself rather than eating out. Incorporate a variety of salads, grilled meat, fish, fresh fruits, and whole grain items into your diet. All of it will help you maintain good digestive health and have the necessary energy for the holy rituals throughout your journey.
5. Take care of your body hydration.
Makkah and Madinah have a hot desert climate. Summers are intensely hot because daytime temperatures can reach as high as 50 Degrees Celsius. On the other hand, there’s not a significant temperature drop in winter because the daytime temperature averages out at 25 Degrees Celsius. When you are performing the holy rituals of Umrah (that are physical in nature) in these weather conditions, dehydration can occur.
In such a scenario, you must take great care of your body hydration and drink lots of water and fluids. Try to incorporate vitamin-C-rich fruits in your diet to compensate for the necessary electrolytes.
6. Rest appropriately.
Sufficient rest is essential for a healthy and memorable pilgrimage journey. So give yourself adequate rest by sleeping at least 6 hours a day. Avoid overworking your body and staying up late at night because they can take a toll on your physical health and affect your overall journey.
7. Protect yourself from harsh sun and UV.
- Wear a high SPF sunscreen (unscented) and utilize umbrellas for sun protection.
- For your clothes, consider lighter colours because of their heat-reflecting capabilities.
- Always wear cotton blended clothes that are loose fit and airy. It will help prevent sunburns, irritation and body rashes due to sweating.
8. Invest in good quality footwear.
Pilgrims have to walk long distances and stand in queues for hours during the Umrah pilgrimage. That’s why investing a good quality footwear is essential. Wearing sandals or shoes, break in your footwear before your Umrah rituals and make sure that whatever you buy is airy, lightweight, durable and comfy.
That’s how you can have a healthy Umrah experience with Umrah packages December 2024.
