• What are the health precautions necessary to bear in mind while eating or drinking in Mecca and Medinah?

Unfortunately diarrhea is one of the common diseases encountered during hajj. The most important precaution is to drink only bottled water (or of course Zamzam water from the mosque) and do not eat food that has been exposed to sun or heat for long time. You can eat packaged food like biscuits and crackers, fresh fruits or vegetables after thorough washing and cooked food if it is freshly cooked and served hot.

Follow all regular hygiene measures: washing hands very well, washing your fresh vegetables or fruits thoroughly, cover all your food…

If you contacted diarrhea, note that the most essential measure is proper hydration. If the diarrhea is severe, consult a physician, meanwhile take a rehydrating salt (available over the counter in all pharmacies) to avoid dehydration.

• Which one is more hygiene and safer to use during Hajj, the flush toilet or the squat one?

Usually the squat one is safer especially in crowded areas. It is less in contact with the person using it so it is less likely to transmit diseases.

In both case, though, it is good to carry a sanitizer and your own toilet paper. Try to get the least possible contact with the toilet and needless to say wash your hands thoroughly after use.

• I performed Hajj 4 times so far Elhamdulillah, yet when I return home, I always go into a very bad psychological condition and depression that lasts for two months or so. What can I do?

Hajj is a highly spiritual journey. It touches the heart and soul much more than it affects the body and this of course is the main purpose. I am not sure of the reason behind your depression, though.

Is it the feeling of homesickness to that holy place? or is it because you are back to the usual life stresses and challenges you were temporarily relieved from? or maybe it is because you worry if your hajj had been accepted by Allah SWT? You need to sit and reflect on the origin of your depression.

Knowing the source is essential for us to deal with the problem. You may want to sit with a friend or consult a trusted scholar or psychologist to clear up some issues. Most importantly, don’t surrender to your depression, seek repentance and ask Allah forgiveness, adjust your intention and He SWT will help you through your challenging times.

On the physical level, mild depression could be resulting from deficiency in essential fatty acids and the neurotransmitter serotonin. You can take fish oil supplements (or DHA or flaxseeds- all are good source of essential fatty acids) and 5HTP (5-hydroxytreptophan) a natural supplement that helps restoring serotonin level and boosting the mood.

Vitamin D deficiency could also have a hand in this. Go outdoors, get exposed to the sun whenever you can and eat lots of fatty fish.

• Why doesn’t Saudi Arabia require a Hepatitis C vaccination?

Answered by Eslam Soliman, Aboutislam’s Health & Science Section; unfortunately, there is no vaccination in the world for Hepatitis C so far.

• Can I take my baby with me to Hajj or this could be unsafe for her immunity?

I do not recommend it. The highly crowded place is a high risk of transmitting disease especially for a baby with still-to-develop immune system. And, another real risk is the pushing around during many of the rituals and the unavoidable human stampede that you sometimes encounter.

• Is the chemical composition of Zamzam water different from other well waters?

Yes, many researches show the high quality and purity of zamzam water compared to other waters, but, personally, I think there is much more into it than chemistry and much more than what we can explain with our current technological and scientific instruments.

As I studied energy medicine for years, I see the instant shift in water energy when we simply say a prayer or mention Allah’s name while holding the cup.

This energy had been recorded under the electron microscope by the Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto who saw water molecules as carrier of information. So imagine how would be the energy of the water that our Prophet PBUH told us about it:

“Zamzam water is for whatever is intended in drinking it” (Ibn Majah, Ahmed & Hakim).

• My old mum is going to Hajj with me this year, what are the health prerequisites for her? How to take care of her properly during Hajj?

Same general precautions as all of us regarding food selection, hygiene and sun exposure, but with special stress on some important points for old age:

– Hydration is very important in advanced age as old people get dehydrated very quickly and usually without noticing it. And especially avoid un-necessary sun exposure.

– Avoid crowded places. Try not to perform the rituals in the peak hour. And, whenever possible for you to do it in her place, it will be better (like in rajm-throwing the stones- for instance).

– You can ask for wheel chair for tawaf… if needed, just ask her not to over stress herself.

• I’m on medication for high blood pressures, what are the things to avoid during the pilgrimage?

First you should bring sufficient (or even some reserve) quantity of your medication and remember to take them on time.

If your medication involve diuretics like thiazide and thiazid-like medication, it is important to remember to hydrate well as you are at more risk of losing body water. As per usual anti-hypertension recommendations reduce salt in your food and if possible bring along your meter to monitor your blood pressure during your travel. If this is not possible, you can usually measure it at local pharmacies or medical centers upon any sign of disturbance.

Avoid stress and overexertion and avoid too much sun exposure. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetable (thoroughly washed) and fresh fruits and vegetables.