Family doctor and member of the Friends of Health Association d. Youssef Al -Tahwah is the importance of physical and health preparedness to perform the rituals of Hajj, especially for those who suffer from joint pain, explaining that the rituals of Hajj require a great physical effort, which may exacerbate the suffering of some if it is not good to prepare for it.
Evidence said that the rituals of Hajj, such as circumambulation, pursuit, standing in Arafat, overnight, and throwing stones, require a long and walking movement, which may pose a challenge for arthritis or cartilage roughness. He called for consulting a doctor before traveling, preparing appropriate medications and exercises, in addition to organizing the trip with a supportive companion.
He stressed the importance of avoiding exhaustion during the performance of the rituals, maintaining regular movement, using auxiliary means such as moving chairs if necessary, and choosing the appropriate times for rest and worship, while drinking sufficient amounts of water and avoiding heavy weights.
He added that the pain accompanying the joint movement may become a real obstacle to enjoying this spiritual experience and carrying out the rituals of reverence and tranquility. But this does not in any way mean that joint pain are deprived of the merit of this blessed journey. The Islamic religion is an easy religion, not hardship, and it has been authorized for patients and the elderly and those who suffer from hardship in performing some rituals. However, there are many measures and precautions that the pilgrim can take to alleviate joint pain and facilitate the performance of the rituals as much as possible.
The pilgrims advised the pilgrims to consult a doctor before traveling for the pilgrimage, and informing him of the health condition of the joints and medications used, and the doctor may provide special advice or adjust the doses of medicines to suit the nature of the trip.
It was also recommended to try to improve physical fitness as much as possible before traveling, by exercising light exercises that do not increase joint pain, such as short walking or lengthening exercises, and ensuring that a sufficient amount of medication prescribed for joint pain is available, in addition to any other medical supplies such as bandages or topical ointments, indicating that traveling with an understanding and supporter can have a significant impact in facilitating the trip and providing assistance at The need.
Evidence provided some tips that can benefit pilgrims while performing the rituals, namely:
• Maintaining regular movement: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without movement. Doing light lengthening exercises can help relieve joint hardening.
• Using available amenities: take advantage of the wheelchairs or vehicles for circumambulation and strive if necessary. Do not hesitate to seek help from escorts or those responsible for organizing the Hajj.
• Choose the appropriate times to perform the rituals: trying to perform the rituals at times when the atmosphere is less heat and the crowd is less, to avoid excessive stress.
• Sufficient comfort: Be sure to get enough sleep and comfort between performing the rituals, to avoid exhausting the body and increasing joint pain.
Drink enough water: maintaining the body’s moisture is important for joint health and reducing infections.
• Avoid carrying heavy weights: relying on wheel bags and distributing luggage in a balanced way to avoid excess pressure on the joints.
• Using cold or warm compresses: Compresses can be used to relieve pain and swelling in the joints when needed.
The argument concluded his statement by saying that “religion is easy, and taking into account the body does not contradict the spirituality of Hajj, but rather enhances the ability to perform rituals with reverence and tranquility.”
