🌡️ Dealing with Extreme Heat
⚠️ HEATSTROKE IS THE #1 KILLER
Temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious risks, especially during the Day of Arafat and Jamarat stoning.
☂️
White Umbrella
Use at ALL times outdoors. Reflects heat.
💧
Hydrate Constantly
Drink ORS (oral rehydration salts), not just water
🧊
Cooling Towels
Wet towels on neck help regulate body temperature
⏰
Avoid Peak Sun
If possible, perform rituals early morning or after sunset
😷 The "Hajj Cough"
Almost every pilgrim develops upper respiratory symptoms due to close quarters, dust, and air conditioning changes. This is normal but can be minimized:
- 😷 Wear an N95 mask in crowded areas (Haram, Mina tents)
- 💊 Carry throat lozenges and cough medicine
- 🍊 Take Vitamin C supplements
- 🧴 Use hand sanitizer frequently
- 💤 Get adequate rest - your immune system needs it
🚶 Crowd Safety
⚠️ STAMPEDE PREVENTION
The Jamarat bridge and exit from Arafat are high-risk zones. Stampedes have caused mass casualties in the past.
🛡️ Safety Rules
- NEVER walk against the flow of the crowd
- If you drop something, DO NOT bend down - leave it
- Stick to the edges of crowds, not the center
- Follow your group's scheduled time slots - they're calculated for safety
- Hold hands with family members in crowds
- If you fall, curl into a ball protecting your head
👟 Foot Care
You'll walk 10-20 km daily. Your feet are your most important asset!
- 👟 Break in your sandals weeks before travel
- 🩹 Pack blister plasters (Compeed or similar)
- 🧴 Apply Vaseline to prevent friction
- 🧦 Wear moisture-wicking socks when possible
- 🦶 Elevate feet and rest when you can
📱 Staying Connected
📶 SIM Card Recommendation
Get a local Saudi SIM card upon arrival. STC has the best coverage in Mina and crowded areas. You need data for the Nusuk app (permits, Rawdah booking).
- 🔋 Carry a 20,000+ mAh power bank (charged!)
- 📍 Save your tent location (GPS coordinates, photos of landmarks)
- 📞 Store emergency contacts and group leader's number
- 🏷️ Wear an ID bracelet with your name, group, and hotel
الحَجُّ المَبْرُور لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الجَنَّة
An Accepted Hajj Has No Reward Except Paradise
May Allah accept your pilgrimage, forgive your sins, and grant you Jannah. Ameen!
🕋 حَجٌّ مَبْرُور 🕋