Ruhaifa Samir offers a quick but very handy list of
items you should pack before leaving for Hajj.
1) Clothing and Toiletries. Pack in one extra set of Ihram, comfortable
clothing for the number of days you are traveling, a shawl or sweater (for any
unexpected chilliness at night), socks and undergarments. Take along two pairs
of inexpensive slippers and a drawstring bag to carry them when entering the
mosque. Men can keep a cap to cover their heads, when they are not in the state
of Ihram.
Pack in soap, shampoo, deodorant as well as a non-fragrance soap
and travel soap dish to use when in state of Ihram. Keep small scissors, a nails
cutter, a disposable razor, a set of towels and a small packet of detergent to
wash your clothes.
2) Accessories. Keep a money belt or vest with pockets to
keep money hidden. Also, keep sunglasses, prescription/reading spectacles, and
a spectacle-holding string to secure your glasses. Remember to wear plastic
name tags for identification (especially important, if you have small children
with you).
Also pack a light prayer rug, an alarm clock, your mobile and
it's charger, an umbrella, a flashlight for when you go to Muzdalifah, a flask
or water bottle, three sandwich sized zip-lock bags or drawstring cloth bags
for pebbles that you collect from Muzdalifah and a medium sized handbag for
everyday use to hold glasses, medicines, Quran, prayer rug, etc.
3) Medicines. Illnesses are easy to catch, when there are
three million people coming from around the world! Pack in one course of broad
spectrum Antibiotics, pain-killers, cough syrup, band-aids, pain-relief
ointments as well as any special medication you need for conditions such as
diabetes, asthma, hypertension. Remember to keep a prescription written by the
doctor for the medicines you are carrying.
4) Documents and Finances. Double-check that you have with you the
originals and photocopies of your passports and tickets in separate suitcases.
Take along the confirmation letters from hotels and travel documents. Keep a
sufficient amount of money in US dollars and Saudi Riyals. It may be a good
idea to keep in extra photos, envelopes, a writing pad and a pen as well.
5) Taqwa! And last but not least, do not forget what Allah (swt) has said:
“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is
At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).” (Al-Baqarah, 2:197) You are making Hajj for
the sake of Allah (swt) and for the forgiveness of your sins. Make sure you
make the most of it! Pack in a copy of the Quran and other reading material,
such as invocations (Dua) cards and Hajj guides.
Pray to Allah (swt) to make it easy for you, before you embark
on this incredible journey. In case you do forget something, Makkah has been
hosting pilgrims for over 1400 years and most things will be available.
Remember, you are a guest of Allah (swt) and He will take care of you!
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