Ultimate packing ideas for Hajj/Umrah
Do you ever pack a bag for going on holiday? Then, you must know that it is a hectic task. Especially, if you are traveling for sacred duties, you can’t afford to forget anything essential items behind. You will make sure to pack everything that makes an easy Umrah/Hajj journey. After all, you don’t book an Umrah package with all valid necessities for completing sacred tasks. Here we discuss all things in 3 categories:
Documents are essential
It is essential to keep yourself active and don’t only focus on the spiritual side of Hajj/Umrah. Otherwise, it is a great chance that you can forget essential documents. Remember to carry a small bag in which you have all the essential documents. Here is a list of some essential documents:
- Passport size photographs
- Islamic will
- Mahram certificate
- Bank draft of payments for Hajj
- 2-3 copies of all essential documents
- Emergency contact numbers: Note phone numbers of agents, group leaders,s or family member
- Vital documentation: It is obvious to keep passport, visa papers, tickets, ID cards in small or waste bags. Yes, you can’t afford to forget these documents while traveling from home town to Makkah.
- PCR test resort: It is a need of time. If you are living outside Saudi Arabia, you must need to submit a negative PCR report. And you should take a test 72 hours before boarding.
- Vaccination proof: The vaccination of COVID-19 is essential and pilgrims need to submit a vaccination card. It is essential to take doses of approved vaccinations, so you don’t require to quarantine yourself. Remember, you can’t enter Makkah without providing vaccination proof.
- Money: It is vital to keep cash in Saudi Riyals. It is tough to find ATMs, or money exchange centers in Makkah.
- Muslim’s certificate: if you are living in the UK and a converted Muslim, then you may be asking to provide proof of being a Muslim. You can obtain this certificate from the local Imam.
Must have essentials
Medications: It is good to keep a packed first aid kit in which you have pain killers, anti-diarrhea, and cough medications. But it is great to first consult with your doctor before packing any medicine for Hajj/Umrah. If you are taking any medicine, then you must keep them in your bags. And you can take blood pressure and sugar checking tools.
- Toiletries essentials: nail cutter, foldable scissors, razor and cotton undergarments
- Unscented products: It is crucial to pack unscented soap, sunscreen (not water-resistant) petroleum jelly, tissue paper, or wipes.
- Waist bag: If you are going for Umrah/Hajj, then you must keep important stuff in the waist pouch and keep them always with you.
- Folding umbrella: Umbrella is also a crucial part to have a hassle-free Umrah/Hajj. It helps to avoid the scorching sun during Tawaf.
- Miswak: It is better to keep the light stick of Miswak as it is a great Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
- Comfortable slippers: Don’t keep fancy shoes for doing Hajj/Umrah and keep comfortable footwear for long rituals of pilgrimages.
- Towles: Maybe you find towels in the hotel and added in your Umrah package, but it is better to keep your towel.
Specific items for women
For women, it is crucial to pack such items that won’t be present in a man’s packing list. For example:
- A pair of scissors: it helps to cut hair to leave the state of Ihram.
- Ihram: Here women must pack abaya as Ihram to show modest. Women must keep 2 to 3 scarves or Hijab caps that help to cover the head properly. Keep remembering women must wear simple and comfortable clothes.
- Sanitary pads: Yes, it is an essential commodity for women. Even if they take medicine to delay the menstrual cycle, they never know.
- Some other things: Hairpins, Clips
Specific items for men
- Ihram: Men’s Ihram consists of two pieces sheets (upper and lower body), pack extra too. It is great to pick cotton-type fabric in Ihram.
- Waist belt/belly bag: It is also an essential item to keep money, mobiles, and ID cards that suit that essential to keep secure.
Islamic or Ibadah books
Start making Hajj planning? You can’t forget to pack or keep Islamic books with you. It is great to have a quick guide and book with you. A small book or pamphlet may help.
- Book of supplications: It is also great to have a book of supplications that could be carried anywhere.
- Pocket Quran: It is great to have a pocket Quran with translation.
Keep healthy and clean
Cleanliness is also important for doing Hajj/Umrah. It is crucial to pack miswak, nail clippers, and comb in your bag pack. If you have a specific medical condition like diabetes, pack sufficient medicines and devices.
Things to do before leaving for Hajj/Umrah
- Plan to do a pure intention of Umrah/Hajj
- Pray to the Rakahs of Nawafal and seek forgiveness from Allah.
- Keep extra copies of visa, tickets, and Umrah package
- Take only one good quality suitcase
- Keep tagging the bag
Make travel deals with famous company
If you want to have a hassle-free journey, then book and make Hajj planning with the famous or approved agents. They could arrange the best and most reliable flights, transportation, and accommodation services for Muslims. You can pick a group or individual packages that suit your budget. So, pilgrims must choose a travel company that has a huge experience in the industry.
