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Each year, an estimated two million Muslims descend on the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia to complete the rites of Hajj. This journey requires immense physical, spiritual and emotional preparation and there are innumerable decisions to be made. One of the most important will be whether to take your children with you or to leave them behind. Some pilgrims are able to leave their children with trusted relatives or Friends. Some others have no choice but to take them along, and then there are those families who wish to perform the Hajj together. Whatever your situation, here are some sure-fire ways to ensure that the Hajj experience is as safe and easy as possible for the whole family.

Keep ihram Clothes Light and Cool

 "Wear something loose and lightweight. And keep at least one extra change of clothes, including an over garment," suggests Balqees Mohammed, who performed Hajj twice (in 1991 and 1998) both with and without her children. "On my first Hajj, I left my young children with their grandparents," says Mohammed. In her opinion, "Hajj is not an experience to take along small children that need more care."

It is recommended to wear 100% cotton due to the hot weather in Makkah.

 Perform Tawaf Upstairs

"Don't ever try to touch the black stone if you have your child with you. The child will get crushed," warns Asma. She also recommends doing Tawaf at night because it is cooler. "I did not take a stroller with me, but rather a baby carrier that you hang from the front of your chest."

Due to the density of the crowds during Tawaf, it may be easier to perform this ritual upstairs. "It's a longer distance, but there is more leg and breathing room," suggests Karima Shaji who performed Hajj in 1994. 

Beware of Dehydration at Mina 

Dehydration is a real concern in Mina, where the pilgrims often stay in tents. You will need to drink lots of fluids and even soak yourselves, particularly if you have children. "My daughter became dehydrated in Mina," recalls Asma, "She needed three IVs (intravenous solutions) of glucose to save her life." 

Much of your time will be spent sitting in tents. Keep your children busy with books, crayons and other diversions. Do not be surprised if you are stuck on a bus for hours due to traffic or waiting for clearance. During this time, snacks of dried and fresh fruits, along with plenty of water, can ward off dehydration and hunger, while heavy foods will likely make you feel sluggish. 

Medicines like cough syrups and basic first-aid kits are available for free in medical units, which are set up all over the Hajj area, but make sure to pack any prescription medications your children take as well as sunscreen to protect against sunburn. In addition, children should be fully immunized before leaving to perform Hajj. This may include special vaccinations against meningitis, yellow fever and other diseases, depending on what is requested by the Saudi government in a particular year.

At Mount Arafat, Make Time for Du`aa'

At Mount Arafat, pilgrims spend the entire day in supplication and prayer. Careful planning is needed to ensure you do not spend the day running after children or otherwise preoccupied.

"Alternate time caring for your small children with your husband so that you can effectively make du`aa'," advises Asma. In fact, fathers should be available throughout Hajj to share the responsibilities of childcare, whether it is carrying them through crowds or supervising their activities. Children can easily get lost during Hajj, so they should never be left to play by themselves or stay alone for any reason. They should also wear distinctive clothing with bright colours to help identify them in a crowd. 

Should the worst happen, do not panic but go immediately to one of the authorities and report that your child is missing. Bring a photo of your child to Hajj along with his or her fingerprints. ID bracelets for the whole family are also an excellent idea.

Keep Warm at Muzdalifah 

The night at Muzdalifah is sometimes cold, especially in the cold seasons. It is essential to pack warm clothes and blankets for yourself and your children. "It is freezing in Muzdalifah," says Asma, "Take a warm bunting for your child and a sleeping bag for yourself."

Protect Yourself from Stampedes 

Over the years, the stoning at Jamarat has usually been the most dangerous part of Hajj, and the threat of stampedes is real. As recently as January 12, 2006, at least 345 people died in a stampede that began when luggage was spilled from buses onto the pathway of pilgrims, causing them to trip and fall over each other.

Parents with small children must seriously consider leaving their children with a neighbour or relative in the tent area. Adults get swept away in the crowd here, and a small child would be crushed. "Hold fast to your garments when making your way through the crowds," says Mohammed. "It is easy to get tangled up in your own clothes and trip. This is how many stampedes have started." She also advises carrying your stones in a small bag. "Be careful not to bend over while walking to the stoning area. Even if you drop something, leave it. There is a real danger that you will get stepped on and crushed."

Make use of the new facilities that are now available at the Jamarat like stoning from the second floor. In addition, authorities recommend performing the stoning ritual when the crowds have thinned out. Another option is for someone strong to throw the pebbles on behalf of someone who is weaker. Men, for example, may throw the pebbles on behalf of women who are unable to navigate the crowds so long as they throw their own pebbles first.

Mohammed was thankful to have had her two teenage sons with her when she went to Hajj in 1998. "The boys helped both myself and a sister-in-law navigate through crowds and physically helped us to walk," she says.

Expect the Unexpected at Tawaf al-Ifadhah  

"The descent from Mina to Makkah was the most difficult part for me," says Asma. "The group we were with had to walk because we could not find transportation." Asma kept lagging behind due to fatigue and a severe cough. Al-hamdu lillah a pair of Kuwaiti brothers stopped and gave us a ride in their van." 

Hajj Is a Spiritual Rejuvenation for the Whole Family

Most pilgrims follow the advice of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and visit the Prophet's Mosque to round off a perfect Hajj. "It was quite a nice bonding experience," recalls Mohammed, who says her teenagers felt rejuvenated in the deen after performing Hajj. "I only hope and pray that the lessons of the Hajj will last with them, as they have with me."