Hajj Checklist & Packing Guide

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable. It takes place annually from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims perform rituals such as Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah hills), and standing on the plains of Arafat.

Umrah, often known as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’, can be performed at any time of the year. It involves Tawaf and Sa’i but does not include all the rites of Hajj. Despite its lesser status, Umrah is a spiritually rewarding journey that cleanses one’s soul and earns great merit.

Hajj or Umrah both prepare oneself spiritually, physically, and practically. While spiritual preparations depend from individual to individual, a complete checklist of things to carry on Hajj or Umrah can make your practical preparations easier.

• When on a spiritual journey to Hajj, make sure you have the following documents in place.

• Passport (and its photocopies)
• Flight tickets
• Identity Proofs (and its photocopies)
• Certificates of vaccinations done
• Hotel booking vouchers
• Transport vouchers
• Receipts of payments made for Hajj/Umrah
• Relationship certificate if travelling with a companion
• Passport-size photographs.

• Self-made identification card to carry during the rituals, with the following details –

• Complete name
• Passport number
• Contact information in Mecca, Medina, and your country
• Hotel Details
• Cluster head’s contact information
• Diseases and/or allergies, if any.

• Ihram Clothing: Men should pack two sets of Ihram (white, unstitched cloth). Women can wear stitched clothes but should avoid silk and ornaments.

• Comfortable Footwear: Pack flip-flops or sandals that are comfortable for walking long distances.

• Prayer Essentials: Include a prayer mat, Tasbeeh (prayer beads), and a copy of the Holy Quran.

• Medication: Carry necessary medicines, especially for heatstroke, dehydration, and common cold. Include a basic first-aid kit.

• Toiletries: Pack unscented toiletries, as scented products are not allowed in Ihram. Include toothbrushes, toothpaste, unscented soap, and unscented tissues.

• Clothing: Pack enough clothes for the stay. Women should carry scarves for head covering.

• Food and Snacks: Carry some dry snacks and energy bars. Also, pack a reusable water bottle.

• Money and Cards: Carry enough Saudi Riyals for your stay. Also, keep your credit and debit cards.
• Mobile and Accessories: Carry your mobile phone, charger, and a power bank. Install necessary apps for prayer times, Qibla direction, and translation.

• Luggage: Use a suitcase for main luggage and a small backpack for carrying essentials during Hajj rituals.

• Miscellaneous: Carry a small notebook and pen for making notes. Also, pack an umbrella, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

• Get a Hajj Umrah ForexPlus Card, which is a safe & convenient way to carry money. You may also carry some cash, but ensure it isn’t a large sum for safety reasons.

• Unlocked mobile phone. You can buy a SIM card for it in Mecca or Medina.
• Medical prescriptions and medicines. Ensure you carry your medications, particularly if you are on treatment. A prescription for these medicines is a must to avoid hassles at the airport.

A checklist for Hajj/Umrah makes packing a lot smoother, especially if it is for the journey of a lifetime!

Read these safety tips before travelling on your Hajj Umrah trip now!

If you are looking to apply for an HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah ForexPlus Card, click here to get started!

* Terms & conditions apply. ForexPlus Card approvals are at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd