“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” (Quran, 3:97)
If this is your lucky year of answering Allah’s (SWT) call to His house, then you must be fully equipped for the journey itself! Hence, the importance of the timely preparation of Hajj cannot be stressed enough.
When it comes to planning for Hajj, you should keep in mind the following; firstly, get your packing sorted and completed ahead of time in order to avoid last-minute runs. Secondly, pack smartly - there is no need to take your whole house with you, just stick to essentials. Thirdly, it is always better to be safe than sorry - be equipped for every situation possible but not to a point where you go overboard with your luggage.
Here is a list of recommended things you should take with you:
Travel Documents:
-ID
-Passport
-Tickets
-Hotel booking receipt etc.
(make photocopies of your travel documents and keep a few copies with you)
Toiletries:
-Unscented soap/shampoo/body wash
-Unscented wipes
-Unscented moisturizer
-Nail cutter
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Scissors
-Unscented deodorant
-Ear plugs
-Sanitary napkins
-Sunblock
-Sanitizer
-Small hand towel
-Wudhu water bottle
Ihram and Accessories:
-Ihram
-Ihram belt
-Abaya (women)
-Tasbih
-Pocket sized prayer mat (you will need it in places like Mina/Muzdalifah/Arafat)
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Flip-flops (they are most convenient)
-Comfortable socks
-Small shoulder bag (you will need it on the day of Arafat to take your personal items with you)
First Aid Kit
-Prescription medicines which you take everyday
-Generic medicines (for headache/migraine, stomach flu, cough/cold, nausea etc)
-Pack of band-aids
-Cotton buds, bandage
-Antiseptic cream
-Pain relief spray etc.
Pocket Books
-Pocket sized Quran
-A book of dua
-Hajj guide/pamphlet (explaining all Hajj rituals)
Accessories
-Mobile charger
-Travel converter/adapter
-Pocket torch
Lastly, be sure to mark/label your luggage and bags in order to distinguish them from the rest of the bags (it will make it easier for you to identify your bags and lower your chance of losing them).
