By Mumtaz Saley

27:08:2019

The pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory to those who can make it. Even though Hajj 2020 is a year away, many have started planning financially.

While the financial aspect is the most important aspect of the process, how many of us plan physically? Statistics collected from Hujaaj has shown that during the five days of Hajj one has to remember that an average of 20-30 kilometres will be covered walking daily.

One would need to prepare for a marathon and the same ideology should be adopted for Hajj. For a year leading up to a marathon, participants take time training to ensure their bodies can handle the stresses and strains of the event. Remember that many Hujaaj whilst walking, experience muscle stiffness due to exertion of their bodies.

A Hajji who had just returned advised me to start walking daily, short 30 min walks to loosen the muscles and to gradually increase the distance you walk weekly.

The planning starts today, take time out and walk with your spouse to start preparing for Hajj one step at a time.