I will be the first to say that if you want Hajj to be a perfect, luxurious trip with no hardship then you have completely misunderstood the purpose of Hajj. Hajj is a journey that should transform you. It should bring about change in you in the way you live your life, how you deal with other people and how you deal with events that take place in your life. If there is one tip every past Hajji will tell you, it is that you only need to pack one thing. And that one thing is PATIENCE. A whole lot of it. If you have patience, you will have the most memorable and most transformative experience that will change your perspective on life. Insha’Allah.

The information you will read below is sincerely intended to bring you back to reality and to prepare you for what is to come, so when you do experience it you are able to deal with it and not allow it to ruin your Hajj. Rather take this list as a source of motivation that you are going for a journey and you will overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Besides, what good is a life-changing journey that does not have hardship and difficulties?

• Expect 6+ delays at the airport

• You WILL get sick. Be mentally and physically ready for it

• Expect to be pushed, kicked and coughed on

• You will not always have tasty, warm food

• Food can get spoiled due to the extreme heat

• You will many times not find space in the Masjid

• Expect to pray on the streets. Road and walkways are often closed hours before prayer.

• Expect long line ups everywhere

• Washrooms will be wet and dirty

• There will be long lines at every washroom

• People will get on your nerve way too easily, especially your roommates

• There will be people who will try to cheat you

• Expect only warm/hot water during Hajj

• Expect A LOT of walking. A LOT.

Despite all these hardships, once all is said and done, after you come back home, you will not have wanted it any other way. You will be longing to come back and experience all