Sample Hajj Checklist

Recommended

· Torch/Lantern (for muzdulifa, if you do the hills)

· Ihram (incl. Spare one, one gets dirty easily) & money belt

· (Broken in) slippers & small plastic bag to put them in.

· Sleeping bag (please note: use like a blanket or pad – do NOT zip yourself inside) use a compaction grantite type bag available at camping stores to reduce the size/Padded mat/blow up pillow (if you don’t have one, wrap up your slippers in a bag and use it)

· Medicines (cough, cold, etc. -- anti-diarrhea is specially important)

· Toilet paper/Towel (for mina showers—although one dries fast in the heat without a towel, etc.)

· Ziploc bag (for pebbles for ramy)

· Travel (Loud Alarm) clock (you will be waking up at all sorts of hours)

· Eye patch and ear plugs (for snoring roommates, but be careful not to miss alarm)

· Toilet items (like (unscented) soap – soap in hotels may be scented which is not allowed during Ihram)

· Travel Umbrella (for sun in midday summer)

· Pen & small notepad (for diary, directions)

· Small Quran, Hajj information

· Strap for glasses (to prevent losing your glasses)

· Nail clippers, shaving stuff, scissors, disinfectant/antiseptic (You will need to clip nails,

shave pubic hair, armpits before Ihram. Before coming out of Ihram if you choose the option of shaving your head you may wish to make sure the baber’s razor is hygienic. Supplies available locally at pharmacies.)

· Small water flask (for emergency water or wudu, to bring back zamzam water)

· Maybe something like a sweater (Madinah in winter early morning can be cool if windy)

Optional

· surgical masks (hygiene, and for the dust during ramy for example, available locally)

· snacks

· camera (Not allowed in places like al-Masjid al-Haram—bags are checked)

You will find most things in pharmacy chains, camping goods chains, and travel luggage stores. Your Hajj travel agent will probably provide an Ihram, but if you need another you could try the bazaar at islam.org or hajjproducts.com . Pack as light as you can.

Do some basic exercise 4-6 weeks before to prepare yourself physically. Read up on Hajj before you get there. Talk to people who have been on Hajj recently.

For the return trip some things to consider acquiring while there: Madinah dates, honey and casio compass (e.g. prayer) watch, zamzam water.