SHAH ALAM - As haj requirements become increasingly strict on health and physical fitness, more Malaysian parents are beginning to view healthy living not merely as a lifestyle choice, but also as part of their children’s long-term spiritual preparation for fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam.
For many Muslim families today, conversations about diet, exercise and wellbeing are no longer solely centred on academic performance or preventing illness. Instead, they are becoming closely tied to the Islamic responsibility of caring for the body entrusted by Allah.
Parents interviewed by Sinar Daily said preparing children for haj should begin long before adulthood, not only financially through Tabung Haji savings but also physically, mentally and spiritually by cultivating healthy daily habits.
For 39-year-old Sharifah Farah Syed Mokhtar, the journey began when her son and daughter were toddlers.
“We opened Tabung Haji accounts for our children when they were just one year old and recently registered them for haj. It is part of our long-term plan to prepare them for their future pilgrimage journey from an early age,” she said.
Sharifah Farah, together with her husband Edzwan Redza Anwar, 45, who have an 11-year-old son, Hamza and a nine-year-old daughter, Imaan said maintaining good health is an important part of practising Islam itself.
“Islam encourages us to take care of our health so we can perform our prayers and ibadah in the best way possible without depending too much on others,” she said.
She added that haj, in particular, demands physical stamina, emotional resilience and patience due to the large crowds, long hours of movement and demanding environment faced by pilgrims.
“If we are not physically fit, our limitations may also affect others around us during ibadah. That is why I see good health as part of our responsibility as Muslims, so we can worship better and support the community around us,” she said.
Sharifah Farah said increasing awareness about haj fitness requirements had also changed the way her family approaches daily living.
“Preparing for haj is not only about financial and spiritual readiness, but also physical readiness. It is a reminder that taking care of our health should be part of our daily life as Muslims,” she said.
At home, she actively teaches her children about nutrition, including how to read ingredient labels and understand the impact of excessive sugar consumption.
“By educating them about food, they become more mindful of their daily eating habits and learn to make healthier choices on their own,” she said.
She also encourages simple daily activities such as walking and reminds her children that good health is among life’s greatest blessings.
“Money and other achievements mean very little if we do not have good health. Prevention is always better than cure,” she added.
The family also practises moderation during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidiladha, when food often takes centre stage.
Sharifah Farah said her family tries to eat mindfully by starting meals with fibre and vegetables, followed by protein and carbohydrates in moderate portions.
“We also encourage drinking plain water first before sugary drinks. Most of the time, by following this approach, we naturally feel fuller earlier and have less space for less nutritious food,” she said.
She added that the practice of stopping before becoming overly full was also encouraged in Islam.
Similarly, Ezaty Ab Rahim, 38, and her husband Nik Hafidzy Nik Husin, 42, said they registered their sons with Tabung Haji from a young age to instil early awareness about haj.
“For us, it’s not just about saving money early, but also planting the intention from young that haj is something meaningful and important in life,” she said.
The couple’s sons, Nik Izzhaq, 13, Nik Izzhafs, 11, and Nik Izzhan, two, are all being prepared for the journey of faith, although the youngest has yet to be registered with Tabung Haji.
Ezaty believes modern Muslim families are becoming increasingly aware that physical wellbeing is closely connected to religious responsibilities.
“Haj requires a lot of physical strength, stamina and mental endurance. As Muslims, taking care of our health is also part of appreciating the body Allah has entrusted to us,” she said.
She said the family now places greater emphasis on consistency in maintaining healthy routines instead of waiting until old age to prioritise health.
“We try to encourage balanced meals, enough rest and being active as a family. It’s not about being perfect, but building consistency over time,” she said.
Ezaty added that children often imitate what they see at home, making parental example crucial in shaping healthier habits.
“We try to make healthier habits feel normal and enjoyable instead of forcing them. Sometimes it’s through home-cooked meals, outdoor activities or simply limiting certain unhealthy habits little by little,” she said.
Both mothers agreed that preparing for haj should ultimately be viewed as a lifelong journey of self-improvement rather than merely financial planning.
“I hope my children will understand that preparing for haj is not only about saving money or waiting for their turn to go, but also about preparing themselves physically, mentally and spiritually throughout their lives,” Sharifah Farah said.
Ezaty echoed the sentiment, describing haj as “a beautiful journey” that should be prepared for long before pilgrims set foot in the holy land.