I started preparing fully approximately 2 months before. I found Ayyman group in Facebook who were arranging virtual training session running over 3-4 days. It just dropped in front of my eyes when I was scrolling through local noticeboard,
I noted down important details, dua, books they advised. They listed all the items to be taken for Hajj and umrah, items to be taken for Mina etc. The training was an eye opener. I summarised the steps and later on explained to my wife so both of us got benefitted from this.
I bought a small hand held rechargeable fan from amazon which can also be worn around the neck, this came as a life saver in Mina and Muzdalifah when the temp were running around 42-44°C.
A portable lightweight power bank also helped over 3 days Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah where charging might be very difficult when everyone is fighting for the multi plug.
(Experience might be different for people who went on VIP/expensive package).
A strong flip-flop and fragrance free soaps are essential for Hajj in the state of Ihram. I started buying all the items slowly and gathered all of them over 2 months.
I listened to as many lectures I can, found on YouTube, I used to listen to this on my way to work, because it used to take between 45-60mins sometimes.
The two best book I found useful for Hajj and Umrah
Hajj and umrah made easy. Small book, but the only book we used and kept with us all the time during Hajj period. I tried to read other books , but there are lots of controversy. We sticked to this book and found it really useful. https://amzn.to/450wQp1
Fazilat E Hajj : Virtues of Hajj: Translation of the Urdu Book Fazilat E Hajj. This book is regarding the virtues of different steps in Hajj and Umrah. For examples, benefits of doing tawaf, importance of day of Arafah, Virtues of giving Salam of Prophet (PBUH), benefits of praying in Rawdah etc. https://amzn.to/3rlxgbF
I recommend the above two books.
Try to listen/attend as many lectures, sessions as you can before going to Hajj. Try to find if there are any seminars happening in your local mosque, Because you will definitely be separated from the group leader at some point and if you have no idea what to do, then you will have lot of difficulties. You will also feel relaxed and can concentrate on duas and adhkars. Believe me there will be lot of distractions. I read somewhere that Shaitan (devil) becomes more active once you reach Mekkah ( I do not know how true this is though)
We had two options either going from the UK or Dhaka. After discussing among ourselves and assessing risks, costs etc we decided to go from Dhaka, I did Istikhara prayer. Alhamdullillah we stayed on our planned path. So I believe it was the right decision for us chosen by Allah for us.
Three main reasons were: There was a lots of uncertainty around Hajj from the UK . Also, the Hajj application opened way later in the UK in comparison to Bangladesh.
Nobody were able to confirm how much it might cost. We made an assumption it would cost more in the UK than in Bangladesh.
Family support in Bangladesh was also important for us. My father helped us immensely in this matter. I am thankful to him. Without him and Allah's wish and mercy, it would not have been possible.
PN : I am an amazon associate. You can buy the books using the direct link or directly go to the amazon to buy the book.
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