Travelling for the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) requires both spiritial and material preparation. Certain religious and logistical requirements must be met before one can set off for the trip.

The Hajj is a journey of a lifetime, during which one is reminded of death and the afterlife, and returns a renewed person. The Quran tells the believers to "take provisions with you for the journey, but the best of provisions is Allah-consciousness..." (Surah al-Baqarah, 197). So spiritual preparation is key; one should be ready to face Allah with complete humility and faith. One should read books, consult with religious leaders, and ask Allah for guidance on how best to benefit from the Hajj experience.

The Hajj is only required of those people who can financially afford to make the journey, and who are physically capable of performing the rites of pilgrimage. Many Muslims in the world save up funds their entire lives in order to make the journey just one time. For others the financial impact is minimal. Since the pilgrimage is physically gruelling, it is beneficial to engage in physical exercise in the months prior to travel.