The second group comprises of hajj pilgrims aged 60 years of age and above, suffering from certain ailments that are not included in the list of illnesses that will place them in the “temporarily unable to satisfy istithaah requirement” or the “permanently unable to satisfy istithaah requirement” criteria. They are able to perform all mandatory rituals, but need accompaniment.
The third group does not have a valid international certificate of vaccination (ICV); they suffer from certain illnesses with a good chance of healing; suspect and/or confirm suffering from a communicable disease, with potential of being a plague, and thereby transmissible; suffering from acute psychosis; suffering from any fracture of their limbs that necessitate help for them to move about in daily activities; suffering from a spinal fracture with no neurological complications; pregnant at more than 14 weeks and less than 26 weeks. Such a pilgrim may still depart for hajj – with payment of due fees to satisfy the religious requirement.
The fourth group suffers from life-threatening clinical conditions, suffer from an illness that is unlikely to be healed, or suffer from a profound mental illness. “Since the waiting list is so long, a person may end up being placed in this group, due to the long wait. They cannot be allowed to go on a hajj pilgrimage. Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but don’t give up. With the help of their family, they should make efforts to improve their condition and get reclassified into the third group, or even the second group if lucky,” Dr. Probosuseno said.
Zamzam Water and 12 Dates
Nowadays, after making sure that they satisfy the necessary financial, physical, and psychological conditions, hajj pilgrims must get themselves vaccinated before going on their pilgrimage. There are four reasons for this:
First, Saudi Arabia is a country that is classified endemic for meningitis meningococcus or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membrane . Furthermore, a large number of pilgrims come from nearby regions that are equally vulnerable to meningitis, such as Nigeria.
Second, during the hajj period, millions of pilgrims from across the globe (more than 180 countries) will gather in the same spot in the Holy Land at the same time. This means that he region has a high risk of massive viral and bacterial infections.
Third, pilgrims returning from the Holy Land might spread their infection on their return to the Homeland.
Fourth, elderly or otherwise weak hajj pilgrims have a much higher risk of viral and bacterial infection – and possibly death – because of their lower immunity.