How to be well prepared for Hajj

It’s almost time for Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, and if you are one of the lucky people about to embark on this spiritual journey keep on reading. We have prepared a list of tips so you can focus your energy towards the spirituality of Hajj and be done with the stress of packing beforehand.

Do not forget the following documents:

• Passport
• ID Card
• Airline ticket
• Hotel booking receipt
• Vaccination Record
• Relationship certificate (confirms relation of woman to mahram)
• Record of Hajj payments
• Saudi riyals (to avoid finding ATMs and long queues)
• Shahada certificate (proof of being Mmuslim for converts)

Previously we had to pack mini Qur’ans, Hajj guide books and Dua’a books. We now have our phones. Here are a couple of apps I recommend downloading and taking a look at before your trip.

• Glorious Quran - The app is the alternative to carrying a Quran and has an english translation below every ayah for none Arabic speakers.
• Zad e Rah - This app is Umrah/Hajj guide and is available in Urdu and English too.

This way, you only have to carry your phone and any necessary medication in a small pouch.

Moving on to clothing, it is hot. Hajj will continue to be during the summer for the next few years so keep that in mind while packing.

• Shoes must be very comfortable for lots of walking.

• Ihram (unstitched clothing for men), do not only take a single piece, pack a couple of extra ones, you will be sweating through them.
• Simple comfortable clothing for when Ihram is taken off.
• A small bag or waist pouch
• Sunblock, do not underestimate how strong the sun will be midday.
• Scarves/Hijabs, take at least 3 but make sure they are a light cotton material yet not transparent.
• Abayas - go to Al Ansar gallery grab 3 or 4 plain abayas for less than QAR100 each because you will sweat through them and will need to change them regularly.
• Light comfortable cotton clothing underneath the abaya

Hopefully with these things out of the way in advance, you can be more relaxed and focus on the soul cleansing rituals Hajj, as it is a blessed experience that one should make the best out of.