If you are here reading this, you probably are preparing for Hajj yourself, or helping someone with their preparations. Congratulations on being the chosen one, this would surely be a journey of a lifetime, the one you would always remember, cherish, and wish to repeat.

I went for Hajj in August 2019- since it was really hot and humid, most of the preparations were in accordance with summer. Here I am sharing the list of items I took along and used during the journey, would also try to mention things that are easily available in KSA and should not be carried along from country of origin. If this writeup helps you out in any way, please remember me in your prayers.

Clothing

·         Abaya

Take at least 2 abayas along, never rely on only one. Since the summers are extremely hot and humid, it is better to choose light yet completely opaque cloth for abayas.

While you can get it custom made with straight sleeves, most of the ready-made ones come with loose sleeves. You can stitch a button/ hook on the sleeves, tie that up when you are in ehraam and untie otherwise. I did the same and it really helped me throughout hajj and umrah. I do not recommend the front open abayas, that is just a personal preference (to make sure the abaya you choose does not show the clothes you are wearing inside)

If you are wearing abaya for the first time, or are not used to wearing it, try it on for a few times before leaving for hajj, make sure the length is suitable and easy to walk in.

·         Head cover/ scarf

Cotton/ breathable fabric scarves are really comfortable, easy to carry and they also stay put for long hours. The ones that come with abayas are usually not easy to handle, so it is better to take a few extra scarves as well.

If you are not used to them, better try them on before leaving, to avoid struggle at last minute.

·         Under-scarf cap/ Hijab cap (optional but highly recommended)

The under cap really helps in keeping the scarf at place, and also makes sure no hair slips out.

·         Undergarments

Take extra undergarments and prefer the most comfortable and light material. Avoid lacey, padded, wired ones as they would probably cause discomfort in heat.

·         Clothes

You would need 3 different categories of clothes:

1-      The one you would wear under abaya. These SHOULD BE the most comfortable ones. Since these won’t show, it could be anything- t-shirts, pajamas, tank tops, loose lawn clothes- whatever sails your boat.

2-      Decent and modest clothes for wearing within the hotel.

3-      Night suits

Also, do not forget to take a separate dress for Eid Day.

·         Shoes and socks

You would need one comfortable pair of shoes; joggers are highly recommended. There would a lot of walks and a nice pair of shoes is totally worth investing in.

Along with shoes, take a few pair of socks as well- again, light material and airy ones are recommended.

A pair of slippers would also be required, for use within the hotel and also during hajj days.

Pro Tip: Take a few reasonably sized pouches along and use them for dividing and packing small bottles according to their categories. For instance, all the skin care items go together, and toiletries go in a different pouch. In this way, they would all be readily available whenever required and would also be easy to carry. This tip is not specific for the pilgrimage, it comes in handy during all sorts of travelling.

Toiletries

The number of toiletries required would depend on the hotel you are staying, however, it is advised to take the essentials along. You would need:

·         Towel

·         Soap (normal and unscented)

·         Shampoo and Conditioner

·         Toothbrush and paste

·         Anti-perspirant (must-have)

·         Prickly heat powder

·         Deodorant

·         Talcum Powder

·         Panty liners and sanitary napkins

·         Hair removing cream/ razor/ wax

Personal Care Essentials

·         Sun block- the higher the SPF, the better

·         After sun lotion/ gel (optional)

·         Body Lotion, as the weather would make your skin extremely dry. Also, heels are cracked and dry as you would have to walk bare foot inside haram, constant application of lotion would prevent the damage to some extent.

·         Vaseline- since it is unscented, it can be used during hajj days as well as otherwise

·         Lip balm

·         Nail cutter and file

·         Scissors for cutting hair

·         Wet wipes

·         Pocket size tissue packs

·         Safety pins of different sizes

·         Hair clips/ bands and hair pins

·         Sunglasses

·         Gloves (optional)

·         Cap

·         Hair brush/ comb

Medicines

It is better to take basic medicines along, as they are usually quite pricy in KSA.

·         Antibiotic cream (like fucidin)

·         Anti- allergy

·         Paracetamol (or any other painkiller)

·         Muscle relaxant

·         Strepsils or any alternative for throat infections

·         ORS (optional but recommended)

·         Anti-rash cream

·         Crepe bandage

·         Band aid  

·         Knee support

In addition, if you use any medicine regularly, take some extra and do not forget to keep the prescription along.

Accessories

These are some of the items that usually come in handy during travelling:

·         Power bank

·         Universal plug

·         Extension wire

·         Sling bag (to carry essentials and also shoes while you are in haram)

·         Backpack (especially to carry essential stuff during hajj days, when you cannot carry the entire suitcase along)

·         Water bottle

·         Spray bottle (highly recommended. Contant sprays are essential in summer, and the same can be used for making ablution in case running water is not readily available)

·         Portable prayer mat

·         Zip lock bags (to safely carry money and essential documents)

·         Extra shopping bags

·         Umbrella

·         Picnic mat (for sleeping in Muzdalifah)

·         Notebook and pen

·         Small pocket size book of azkaar and prayers

·         Sewing needle and thread

·         Locks for all your bags

·         Cloth pegs, this would come in handy if you have cloth line available. For laundry, the washing machine might or might be available in your hotel. If it is available, you can easily find reasonably priced surf at the local stores, no need to carry it along. If the washing machine is not available, you can either opt for laundry service, or buy a small tub for regular washing. The tub would also be easily available, no need to take it along.

I have tried my best to cover all the essentials that I carried and used during my Hajj travel. In case I am missing something, please feel free to let me know, and I would update. Hope you have an amazing journey, and all your prayers are accepted. Again, please do remember me and my family in your prayers.