Allah says in the Quran (3:97):
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”
Here you are— all excited for your visit to the Islamic City of Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage. As this is the most important journey of your life, you don’t want to burden yourself with unnecessary things, right?
So, while packing for Hajj and Umrah, pack those ‘things’ which you might require for dealing with unexpected situations without being overloaded with unnecessary items.
Take cues from the following list and start your preparation. While you can modify your travel list as per your requirements, don’t forget to buy travel insurance in any case.
Let’s start packing=
Food
- Nuts
- Dates
- Energy bars
- Biscuits, chips
- Reusable water bottle
Shoes and Apparels
- A pair of flip flops for bathrooms
- Two pairs of comfortable walking sandals
- Shoe covers
- Ihram, a garment for men to perform Hajj
- Sweatshirts and sweatpants
- Cotton Clothing
General Items
- Door hangers to hang both dry and wet clothes
- A few plastic bags
- Small towel
- Mat
- Umbrella
- Ear plugs
- Eye masks
- Sunglasses
- Flash light
- Sewing kit
- Zipper seal bags to carry medicines, eating items, etc.; on the day of Hajj
- Mini pillow
- D-clips to hang stuff to your bags easily
- Suitcase
- Small duffle bag or backpack for Hajj
Electronics Items
- Portable phone charger
- Extension cord with multiple points
- Old phone, if any
Personal Hygiene
- Unscented soap
- Unscented deodorant
- Unscented lotion or oil
- Unscented Vaseline
- A few pairs of gloves
- Unscented hand sanitizer
- Unscented face wipes
- Unscented Sunscreen
- Toilet paper roll
Spiritual Items
- Dua book
- Travelling prayer mat
- Notebook
- Preferably a small copy of Quran
- Tawaf Counter
First-aid Box (Carry doctor’s prescription for your medicines to clear security check points at the airport)
- Basic medicines for pain relief, allergy, and digestive issues
- Cough Syrups
- Unscented pain relivers for sore muscles, aches, and pain
Important Documents
- Airplane ticket
- ID card
- Passport copies and visa
- Shahada certificate (if you are converted into Muslim)
- Address of the hotel (both in Arabic and English)
- Cash
Over the past few years, several fatal stampedes have happened during the stoning of the Jamrat. So, never stop or bend to retrieve any dropped item when you are out in a crowd. There is always a severe risk of being crushed should you try to bend down.
On arrival at the Saudi Arabia terminal, the authorities will take away your passport and give you a receipt. You will get your passport back only at the time of departure. Also, your travel within the country will be restricted only to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. In case you want to explore other places, take a special permission from the Pilgrim Guides Establishment.
Buy Travel Insurance for Hajj
While doing the packing, don’t forget to pack ‘in’ travel insurance as well. Your travelling to Hajj can expose you to various types of risks like accidents, ailments, etc.; when your international travel insurance policy can help you. Even though you are pre-vaccinated, you can still fall sick during your journey.
During that time, you can contact your travel insurer who will not only take care of your medical expenses, but will also evacuate you in the case of medical emergency.
How can you forget the stampede of 2015 which killed at least 2,236 pilgrims and injured thousands? Ironically, accidents can happen even in God’s place, many times due to the fault of its ‘own’ creation, i.e., we!
In that case, your foreign travel insurance policy can be your savior!
In addition to covering medical expenses, a travel insurance policy also offers coverage in case you lose your passport/luggage, missed a flight, etc. Here are some of the other benefits which you can avail if you have a travel insurance policy=
- Daily Allowance in Case of Hospitalisation
- Emergency Cash Advance
- Political Risk and Catastrophe Evacuation
- Accidental Death
- Trip Delays
- Personal Liability
While buying travel insurance is necessary, make sure it is sufficient enough to cover your entire trip. Also, note down your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number at a safe place which you can easily access at the time of need.
Why are you going to hajj? Your answer should be: to purify your thoughts. So, it is not about what you are going to pack in your bag. In fact, It is all about your intentions and faith.
With a clean heart, some basic items and a comprehensive travel insurance policy, it is time to go on a sacred journey!
Hajj Mabroor!
I received this product to facilitate my post. All opinions are my own!