By Salifu Abdul-Dahim
Every Hajj year, there are always reports and stories of pilgrims getting lost during Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Though it is usual for pilgrims to get lost during the thick crowds, first-time pilgrims are mostly the victims who face these situations. Some people even conclude that getting lost is part of performing Hajj.
As someone who has embarked on Hajj or is yet to embark on Hajj, the following tips can help reduce the rate of getting lost during the Hajj period.
1. Always wear your identity card: This Identity card contains your name and the country you come from. In the case of Ghana, the rope of the Identity card may be designed in Ghana colours. You can easily be found by another Ghanaian when you, or the other party is lost. Always wear your Identity (ID Card).
2. Never lose your wristband: The wristband is issued to all pilgrims on arrival at Makkah. On the wristband, there is usually a QR Scan code and some numbers (the number they identify your country with) and additional information that can be used to identify you and take you back to your hotel or tent. Please do not give it out to anyone, under any circumstance. Wear it till you return to Ghana.
3. Move in groups or pairs: Moving in pairs or smaller groups during Hajj is always advisable. When selecting your group members, include those who have performed Hajj before. At least they have some experience that will help when you lose your way. With the experienced ones, it reduces the risk of getting lost.
4. Identify an entry and a meeting point when visiting the two Holy Mosques: When moving in groups or pairs, identify a common location for meeting, in case you lose each other during Tawaf or any activity in the Mosque. You may use one of the four corners of the Holy Kaabah to set a meeting point or use your gate of entry as a meeting point. Again, agree on a time of convergence at the meeting point. When you lose each other, you are sure of meeting at your designated point at a particular time. It makes things easier for you.
5. Take note of the name and number of the entry gate you use into the Mosque: Every entry point or gate of the two Holy Mosques has names and numbers on them. Always take note of the name and number of the gate you use to enter the Mosque (Madina or Makkah). Write down or keep a picture of the gate on your phone if necessary. That will help you find your routes when you get lost. Most West African countries, Ghana inclusive, enter the Masjid Al-Haram (Kaabah) through the King Fahad gate. This is usually because their hotels in Makkah are located around the direction of King Fahad Gate. If it does not change, you may take note of that.
6. Keep the name of the Hotel in memory or Take the calling card of your hotel: On arrival at your hotel, ask to know the hotel’s name (how to pronounce it) and the name of the area the hotel is located. Do not forget the name of your hotel. Take a calling card from the hotel to keep with you whenever you go out.
7. Take/pick the location of the hotel or tent on your phone and send it to your colleague: Mina is called the tent city because almost every pilgrim is housed in tents (Heyma) at Mina. All the tents are white too. They are only identified with numbers and country flags. When stepping out of the tent, kindly send a location to a friend for reference. This will help you find your way when you are lost returning to your tent. The hotels might be different but doing the same can help greatly. You can also do the same at Arafat, especially for those who intend to get closer to the mountain.
8. Keep the phone number of your Agent or an official: You should always have an accessible phone number of your Hajj Agent or one of the officials of the Hajj Board. In case you need to call for assistance, you can contact them to come to your rescue. This means that you should always have a mobile phone with you.
9. Do not panic when you are lost: When you realised that you are lost, remain composed. Reach out to security or trained volunteers near you, they are always ready to help. You may return to the Kaabah to find your route again if you are lost in the Mosque (refer to point 5).
Remember always to be hydrated. There are so many water outlets in and around the Two Holy Mosques. Temperatures are usually high and dry outside, so always take water to remain hydrated, you need that energy to move around.
When the tips are followed well, the loss rate will be minimized. May Allah grant us the means to be part of this year’s Hajj.
May He accept the Hajj and Umrah of every pilgrim. May we also be granted the opportunity to perform Hajj.
Kindly share to friends and loved ones. Thank you
