KAJANG, Feb 15 (Bernama) — Preparations for haj extend beyond understanding the rituals and managing finances, encompassing the physical and mental well-being of pilgrims to ensure they can meet the demands of worship in the Holy Land.
The introduction of the istito’ah health module by Tabung Haji (TH) marked a change in approach for the 1447H/2026M Intensive Hajj Course, allowing participants to better understand and assess their physical and mental readiness before embarking on the pilgrimage.
The module is not just theoretical, it serves as a practical guide for pilgrims to monitor their health and adopt lifestyle changes in preparation for worship that requires both stamina and emotional resilience.
For 55-year-old prospective pilgrim Md. Azinor Sulaiman, the module offered a new understanding of the importance of maintaining fitness and health preparation well before the departure date.
“This thorough preparation is essential, as we will face various challenges, including hot weather, the risk of infectious diseases and physically demanding acts of worship.
“So, health comes first. You might have enough savings, but if you’re not physically ready, haj will be tough,” he said when met after the Intensive Haj Course at the Kajang Prison Mosque Hall here today.
Rohana Yahaya, 55, said the course helped pilgrims see the importance of keeping their weight in check, eating healthily, and doing light exercise as part of their early preparation.
“It motivated me to make simple changes, such as reducing sugar intake and walking daily,” she said.
For Silfia Normawan, 64, the course’s comprehensive look at the physical and emotional challenges of haj not only gave her more confidence but also a better understanding of what to expect during the pilgrimage.
According to her, thorough health preparation makes the haj experience safer, as pilgrims can better understand their own capabilities before arriving in the Holy Land.
“This holistic approach makes Hajj preparation more than just fulfilling worship requirements, it’s also about building self-discipline from home all the way to the Holy Land,” she said.
A total of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims are set to perform haj this year, with the first flight scheduled for April 18.
–BERNAMA
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