Personal Hygiene During Rituals

Maintaining personal hygiene and preventing infections during Hajj or Umrah is crucial for the safety of pilgrims. Due to the presence of large crowds from various nationalities in congested areas, the risk of infection transmission increases. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay clean and reduce the chances of infection: 1. Basics of Daily Personal Hygiene

• Hand Washing:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching shared surfaces (e.g., door handles) or before eating.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are unavailable.
• Regular Showering:
  • Shower daily with antiseptic soap to remove sweat and dirt.
  • Use clean and dry towels after each shower.
• Foot Care:
  • Wash your feet daily and wear clean cotton socks.
  • Wear comfortable, closed shoes to protect your feet from injuries or contamination.

2. Using Masks in Crowded Areas

• Benefits of Wearing a Mask:
  • Masks reduce the risk of respiratory infections like the flu and protect against dust and pollutants in open areas.
• Proper Usage:
  • Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth.
  • Change the mask regularly, especially if it becomes wet or dirty.
  • Avoid touching the outside of the mask and remove it by the straps only.

3. Hygiene During Rituals

• Tawaf and Sa’i:
  • Avoid directly touching the Kaaba or the Black Stone in crowded areas; pointing from a distance suffices.
  • Use hand sanitizer after completing Tawaf or touching shared surfaces.
• Ablution and Prayer:
  • Use personal items like hand towels during ablution.
  • Bring your clean prayer mat and avoid using public carpets in crowded areas.

4. Eating and Drinking Safely

• Food Choices:
  • Eat food from reliable sources, such as licensed restaurants or meals organized by Hajj groups.
  • Avoid uncovered or contaminated food.
• Safe Drinking Water:
  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Regularly clean personal water bottles or utensils.

5. Hygiene During Travel and Transportation

• In Transportation:
  • Use disinfectant wipes to clean seats and shared surfaces in buses or planes.
  • Ensure proper ventilation in group transportation.
• Public Restrooms:
  • Carry tissues and a small soap bar when using public toilets.
  • Avoid direct contact with surfaces by using tissues to open doors or turn off faucets.

6. Preventing Respiratory Infections

• Avoid Crowds When Possible:
  • Perform rituals during less crowded hours.
  • Maintain physical distance in areas like Tawaf and Sa’i.
• Sneezing or Coughing:
  • Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth, then dispose of it in a closed bin.
  • If no tissue is available, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth.

7. Handling Personal Items and Clothing

• Cleaning Clothes:
  • Wash Ihram garments daily or as needed with suitable detergent.
  • Air out shoes and socks daily.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items:
  • Do not share towels, combs, or razors with others.

8. Preventing Skin Infections

• Using Creams:
  • Apply moisturizing or anti-allergy creams to prevent skin cracks due to heat or dryness.
  • Use baby powder to keep sensitive areas dry.
• Treating Wounds:
  • Clean any minor cuts immediately with water and antiseptic, and cover them with a clean bandage.

9. Additional Prevention Tips

• Avoid Touching Your Face:
  • Refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth before washing your hands.
• Carry Essential Hygiene Items:
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Extra masks.
  • Disinfectant wipes.
  • Travel-sized soap.

10. When to Seek Medical Attention?

• High fever.
• Persistent cough or difficulty breathing.
• Skin issues such as rashes or swelling.
• Contact medical teams at the holy sites immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

11. Hygiene Services in Saudi Arabia

• Support from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah:
  • The Kingdom provides comprehensive cleaning services in the Haram and holy sites, including continuous cleaning of surfaces and public facilities.
  • Distribution of personal hygiene kits to pilgrims.

By following these guidelines, pilgrims can maintain their hygiene and prevent infections while performing their rituals safely and healthily.