Food and Water safety during the Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is indeed the busiest Islamic event. As the fifth pillar of Islam it is mandatory to those who approach to perform it physically and financially. However, there are several chances people have hydrated symptoms such as headaches, thirsty and lightheaded, having dark-colored, strong-smelling and Blisters (Most blisters are common which cause friction to the skin. if blister starts weeping pus or becomes inflamed and swollen then seek medical attention). Besides Hajj, Umrah is also congregational Ibadah and each day thousands of people whom expenses could not meet the Hajj requirements, so they make their arrangements to go to Makah to perform it. Though Umrah is the non-mandatory Ibadah but it has tremendous significance in Islam. The Messenger of God said that Muslim who is monetarily and bodily capable should visit the Kaabah once in life. So, that's why people from all corner of the world perform all the rituals of Umrah. Since Arabia is the land of tropical where the temperature is so hot and people who are health conscious make their arrangement in moderate season such as December Umrah packages to perform the Umrah. People who could not save the money in moderate seasons are compelled to perform Umrah in the hot season. Moreover, some people urge to perform Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan to get the immense reward, so Ramadan is planetary circle and nowadays it comes in the extremely hot season. So, the people who are very sensitive may face some hydrated situations. Therefore, they should adapt food and water safety to perform the rituals in sound ways. Because there are some rituals such as Tawaf around the Kaabah and its kissing and in case of Hajj the Jamarat is crowded rite where there are many chances of hydration. 

Let's see some precautionary measurements to prevent health complications: 

• Pilgrims should avoid to overeat and overdrink. 

• Pilgrims should not eat uncovered food and buying food from street vendors. 

• Pilgrims should not eat or drink unpasteurized milk.

• Pilgrims should only eat complete cooked food, or fruit and vegetables they have peeled. However, during the journey going with best travel agency pilgrims can eat what airlines serve. 

• Pilgrims should not eat cooked foods which are no longer piping hot.

• Pilgrims should eat a high fiber diet to prevent constipation.

• Pilgrims should avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. They just drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.

• Pilgrims should avoid using public drinking cups as much as possible. Always carry a personal cup.

• Pilgrims should avoid purchasing Zamzam water in plastic containers sold by street vendors.

• Pilgrims should use their eating tools and do not share others.

• Pilgrims should use only their soap- again, and not share.

• The most important remembrance for pilgrims is that they must take any medication on time. 

• Pilgrims should wash hands regularly using soap (free of fragrance) to remove germs after using the toilet, and before eating. Simply washing hands is not enough to remove germs. It is advised to take antibacterial soap. As germs spread through touch, so cleanliness can prevent the spread of many diseases.