What to take with You on Hajj Journey

When you plan to travel, it is always a good idea to prepare well in advance.  Last minute packing is usually very hectic and stressful. Mostly you will be missing something or realize that you have forgotten something after you reach your destination.

Travelling for Hajj is not very different. However Hajj preparation requires more attention because it is not an ordinary journey. It is a journey where you would not want to waste time looking for things or going out of the way to go shopping for essential items or even worrying about things you need. So plan what you would require and pack them in a way that it would be easy to locate in your baggage.

Some items you may want to consider taking are listed below. Most of these are available in Makkah and Madinah but why waste time walking in the heat looking for things when you can take them with. Also the things listed below are not “a rule” list. It can be adjustable according to the requirement of the pilgrims. Some can be crossed out and others added. So make your own list.

By the way, it is important that you make a checklist of what you will need to carry with you and cross them out as you pack them.

Here is the checklist:

For the journey, you might want to take:

1. A large suitcase to bring back gifts from the trip.

2. Qibla compass

3. Sleeping bag to rest in during stop over

4. Ihram towels for men and prayer clothes for women.

5. Ordinary clothes/under garments…etc

6. Ear plugs preferably sponge ones. It can get noisy.

7.  Eye shades.

8. Towels, flip flop for use in the bathroom in hotel/apartment.

9. Moisturizer to keep the skin supple and moist in the dry climate.

10. Face mask to wear in crowded places

11. All items mentioned below.

Things to take with you during the pilgrimage: 

1. Any kind of unscented soothing cream or Vaseline: The heat can cause rash, on the thighs from walking and being sweaty.

2. Baby wipes or unscented tissues. These are useful for washing hands after meals. Minimize using water which you might need for drinking.

3. Comfortable sandals

4. Unscented soap

5. Toothpaste and tooth brush.

6. Energy juice powder. It boosts energy. Just mix with water and drink.

7. Snack bars. Again useful for energy

8. Plastic carry bags. You will need this for any purpose: garbage,  leftover food, keeping your sandals in the haram.

9. Hand towels – very useful if you spill something or even to wipe hands

10. Water bottles for emergency wudu and also to store water for drinking.

11. Prayer mats – the small foldable ones that can be kept in the handbag.

12. Passport/Id bag to hang on your necks for women and seamless hajj belt bags for men.

13. Safety pins

14. Band aids

15. Disposable gloves very useful when using the not so clean bathrooms.

16. Cell Phone with charger. If you are with a group and you are separated, then you need to stay connected.

17. Pocket Quran and dua books or download them in ipad/smart phone and carry that.

18. You might want to take others thing you packed for the whole journey such as ear plugs or sleeping bag.

Basically the stuff needed during the pilgrimage can easily be carried in a bag and they are not very heavy. Again all these items are available in Makkah and Madinah and if it happens that you forgot to take something important, you can easily purchase them if time allows, that is.

Hope all those invited for Hajj make a good accepted and safe journey, in sha allah.