The Importance of Health Screening in Hajj Preparation

Arviyan Cahyo Nugroho (21712080)

Da'wah Corner

The Importance of Health Screening in Hajj Preparation

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and worship that makes all Muslims from all over the world gather to pray to Allah SWT. One of the verses in the Qur'an, namely Surah Ali Imran verse 97, states the command to perform Hajj for Muslims who can afford it. The word capable in the meaning of the verse has many meanings according to the scholars. Muslims are said to be isthitha'ah (ability) if they have the ability both in terms of financial, physical, spiritual, and knowledge of Hajj management. Assessment of physical or physical abilities can be carried out with a health screening in preparation for the pilgrimage. (Permenkes, 2018; Kasim, 2018).

The aim of organizing Hajj health screening is to achieve istitha'ah conditions in terms of the health of pilgrims, control health risk factors for pilgrims, keep pilgrims healthy while in Indonesia, travel, and the holy land, and prevent transmission of infectious diseases that may be carried leaving and or entering Indonesia by pilgrims. There are 3 stages of health screening in preparation for Hajj, namely:

  1. The first stage, namely screening, is carried out when pilgrims begin to register to get a portion number. Health checks are carried out by doctors of the puskesmas nursing staff and laboratory analysis to determine prospective pilgrims who are at high risk (aged 60 years or more and or have health risk factors and health problems that have the potential to cause limitations in carrying out the pilgrimage. fitness
  2. The second stage is carried out by the regency or city haj health organizing team at the health center or hospital when the pilgrims' departure is certain. In the second stage of examination, the government will determine whether the person meets the requirements or not to perform Hajj. The second stage of examination includes: anamnesis, physical examination including anthropometry (weight, height, and abdominal circumference), supporting examinations (blood check, urine, EKG, and radiology) diagnosis.
  3. The third stage is carried out to determine the health status of pilgrims who are fit or not fit to fly. Pilgrims who are not fit to fly, namely pilgrims who do not comply with international flight safety. Pilgrims who do not comply with international flight safety, namely pilgrims who have infectious diseases that have the potential to cause epidemics, for example smallpox, typhus, yellow fever, etc. In addition, pilgrims who have life-threatening diseases such as COPD degree IV, stage IV heart failure, severe mental disorders (severe schizophrenia, severe dementia, mental retardation, etc.) are included in pilgrims who are not fit to fly. Diseases related to altitude can also be a condition that considers the pilgrims fit or not for flight. (Permenkes, 2018; Pratiwi, 2022)

Health screening is an important thing for pilgrims to do so as not to disturb their solemnity during the pilgrimage. The existence of isthitha'ah conditions makes the importance of health for Muslims to carry out daily activities. A healthy lifestyle can be implemented early on by adjusting eating patterns, activities, and environmental hygiene. (Pratiwi, 2022).

source:

  • Regulation of the Minister of Health. 2018, RI Law No. 15 of 2016 Technical Guidelines for Hajj Health Examination and Guidance”
  • Kasim, D. 2018, Fiqh Hajj (A Historical and Philosophical Review). Journal of Al'Adl. 11(2).p169-167
  • Pratiwi, P., Witcahyo, E., Herawati, Y.2022, Health Service Management for Pilgrims at the Kalisat Health Center, Jember Regency.Forikes Sound Health Research Journal.13(1).p190-195