Hajj

The ULTIMATE HAJJ Shopping and Packing Guide [Updated 2019]

Hajj will likely be one of the most special journeys any Muslim will take. It has lots of ups, lots of downs and a whole lot of humility involved. For many, it’s the most expensive trip they will go on so it only makes sense that you prepare for it well in advance so you can make the most out of every second you are there.

So let’s get straight to it. Here is a complete list of everything you will need for Hajj!


Personal Items

  • Vaseline
    • It helps with the chafing between the legs that is caused by excessive walking and sweat. Make sure to apply this between your legs whenever you will have to walk a lot. Ladies and gents both.
  • Face Mask
    • Buy some extra and share the khayr. Help keep your fellow Hajji safe and avoid catching any type of cold/flu for as long as possible.
  • Sanitizer (unscented)
    • This will come in very handy when you are in Mina and during tawaf and sa’i when there are large crowds, sweaty people and lots of coughing.
  • Soap (unscented)
    • Helpful if you want to take a shower during the days of Hajj. Not needed before and after Hajj days.
  • Perfume/Ittar
    • It is the Sunnah to put on ittar BEFORE entering the state of Ihram. Perfume is not allowed AFTER you have entered into Ihram.
  • Pocket Tissues
    • Extremely useful and much needed. Especially when you start to get sick. Yes…you WILL get sick. Accept it as a blessing because your sins will be falling off like no tomorrow! insha’Allah.
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Nail Cutter
  • Shaving Razor
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Miswak
  • Wet Wipes
  • Deodorant (unscented)

Medications

  • Prescribed Medication
  • Tylenol – muscle pain
  • Advil – headaches, fever
  • Antihistamine – for allergy-related symptoms
  • Bandages
  • Antibiotics – get antibiotics prescribed well before your departure date
  • Imodium or Pepto Bismol – for upset stomach
  • Lozenges (Cepacol or Fishermans)
    • These will provide you with much-needed relief when you get sick.
  • Gatorade powder
    • It’s going to be hot, humid and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. It is essential to keep yourself well hydrated. Gatorade will provide you with the much-needed electrolytes.

Accessories and Miscellaneous

  • Fanny Pack
    • Perfect for storing travel documents, medicines, and snacks
  • Used/Cheap Suitcase
    • It’s Hajj season people! You don’t need a Versace or Gucci suitcase.
  • Umbrella
    • Many times, your Hajj group will provide you with umbrellas, however, if they don’t, it is highly recommended to have one handy. Men cannot wear hats when in the state of Ihram so an umbrella is your only option to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Pocket Fan (optional)
    • This depends on person to person. Those who cannot handle the heat might want to bring along a portable fan.
  • Water Bottle (lightweight or collapsible)
    • You want to save yourself from going to water coolers every time you feel thirsty. Bring a water bottle and fill it up with Zam Zam.
  • Spray Bottle
    • During hajj days, a spray bottle with cold water will keep you and your fellow hajjis cool. They’ll thank you later.
  • Portable prayer mat
    • This might seem a little silly but believe us, you will be praying on the road and on the streets quite a bit especially if your hotel is a bit far.
  • String bag
    • Ideally, you will carry this bag everywhere you go. It will hold your water bottle, portable prayer mat, copies of travel documents, sandals, phone battery and anything else that you may need.
  • A small bag for sandals/slippers
    • When you enter Masjid Al-Haram or Masjid An-Nabawi, you will need to hold onto your sandals. A small cloth bag for your sandals will come in extremely handy because you can just pop them into your backpack.
  • Notebook
  • Pen and pencil
  • Dua book (Fortress of a Muslim)
  • Earplugs
  • Sunglasses
  • Spare pair of prescription glasses
  • Phone charger
  • Universal electric adapter
  • Portable battery

Clothings

  • 100% Cotton Hijabs
  • Small towels
    • If you are far away from the Jamarat, the walk back and forth from your tent can be long. Soak small towels in water and put them around your neck to cool you down.
  • 2 Ihrams
    • The chance of getting your ihram dirty is high so pack an extra pair and keep it with you during the days of Hajj.
  • Light jacket or hoodie
    • The AC is going to be on HIGH and you don’t want to risk lowering it because the other Hajji’s will pounce on you. So, to be safe, pack a warm hoodie and light jacket to keep yourself warm.
  • Warm Socks
    • The same reason as above
  • Undergarments
  • 3 Abaya’s
  • Flip Flops/Sandals/Crocs
    • Make sure they are Ihram friendly and super comfortable. A second pair is always a safe bet,

Travel Docs

  • Passport
  • 3 copies of passport and visa
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Cash
  • Copies of emergency contact information
  • Flight Tickets
  • Hotel details
  • Hajj group leader contact information

If you end up forgetting something or feel you needed something that was not listed here, I have two bits of advice for you.

  1. Hit us up and let us know how to improve this list so everyone can benefit. You can do this AFTER you get back from Hajj :D.
  2. You will have time before Hajj starts, whether you are in Makkah or Madinah to pick up any last minute items. Everything on this list should be available there.

Things you don’t need

  • Many pairs of clothing
  • Laptop
  • Just in case things
    • Don’t pack something just because you think you MAY need it. You likely don’t need it. And even if you do, it will be accessible in Makkah.