Every year, Muslims worldwide travel to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah. This amazing and special trip is a rare chance, so it should be done easily and without stress. The first step is to make a packing guide and a checklist of things you need for Umrah ahead of time. Planning for Umrah, from bookings to what you need, is the best way to ensure it goes well.
There are many important things you need to take on this Umrah trip to the house of God. Only some people know exactly how to get ready and what to bring for Umrah. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a list of important things to bring for your Umrah trip. This checklist includes everything you need for a comfortable and unforgettable experience.
Guide to Important Things for Umrah
For a pilgrimage, it’s important to be both physically healthy and mentally calm. So, it’s a good idea to plan everything before starting your wonderful trip to Umrah. Here is a complete list of important things you need for your Umrah trip.
Travel papers: Place them on top when packing important items for Umrah
Important travel papers include:
- Passport and its copies
- Visa is a permission that allows you to enter, stay, or work in another country for a certain time.
- Plane tickets
- Vaccine cards
- Hotel reservation confirmation copies
- Receipts for money paid for Umrah.
- Small size photos for a passport
- Relationship certificate (if you are travelling with your spouse)
- Saudi Riyals is the money used in Saudi Arabia.
- Debit/Credit card
- Travel plans
- Emergency phone numbers
Basic items you need for Umrah: Clothing and shoes for important rituals
Ihram is the special outfit worn for the Umrah pilgrimage. That’s why it’s really important to pack the right clothes before starting the trip. For men and women, Ihram is two pieces of plain white cloth that are not sewn together. Women can wear normal clothes that cover their whole body, except for their hands and face.
When getting ready for the Umrah trip, it is very important to pack a small Quran. This is because people can easily read the holy book in their free time. There are small dua books you can carry that have prayers from the Quran and Sunnah. You can say these prayers while you’re travelling. Also, when pilgrims are changing flights or travelling, they can stay busy by remembering Allah (Dhikr). This is why bringing Tasbeeh beads is very important. You will also need a prayer mat, a compass to find the direction of prayer (Qibla), and a guidebook for Umrah.
Clothes and accessories: Choose them according to how long you’ll be travelling and the weather
People from around the world come to Makkah to do Umrah. Usually, it means long flights and car rides that can be exhausting. So, it’s important to wear and bring clothes that are lightweight and comfy. Another important thing to think about is the weather in Makkah. Makkah is usually hot, but you should still pack based on the month you are visiting. Pick light colours and breathable materials that won’t irritate your skin, even in very hot weather.
In Saudi Arabia, it’s better to dress modestly to respect the local culture. Men typically wear formal clothes like shirts and pants, while women usually choose to wear salwar kameez or abaya.
Both men and women should bring some important things to Umrah. These include two or three pairs of comfy shoes, a waist pouch, bathroom slippers, a small bag, a light sweater, sunglasses, safety pins, a prayer cap, and a folding umbrella. In addition to the items listed above, there are a few other important things that women need for Umrah, including:
- Five to ten light and comfortable headscarves.
- Hijab under caps
- Hijab pins
- Hair accessories are items you use to style or hold your hair in place.
- Socks
- Light clothing or slips to wear under an abaya.
- Light pajamas
- Blister bandages
Basic First-Aid Kit: For emergencies
Basic medicines and first-aid supplies are also important things to bring to Umrah. These include medicine for colds and flu, painkillers, travel sickness pills, cough syrup and throat lozenges, diarrhoea tablets, band-aids, unscented sunscreen, cotton, antiseptic cream, muscle pain creams, oral rehydration salts, and antibiotics. Due to COVID-19 safety rules, please bring masks and hand sanitizer with you.
Basic self-care items: Things you need for your Umrah trip
Self-care basics can include many things, from items for keeping clean to beauty products. These can include:
- Big and small towels
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (No scent for Ihram)
- Fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner
- Soap without any scent (in a bar or liquid).
- Pocket tissues are small, soft paper wipes that you can carry in your pocket.
- Unscented wet wipes for Ihram.
- Hand sanitizer
- Hairbrush/comb (only to be used when not in Ihram)
- Deodorant that helps prevent sweating.
- Tiny mirror
- Nail clipper
- Little scissors
- Razors or shaving machines.
- Sanitary pads are items used for keeping clean during a woman’s period.
- Unscented lotion or cream
- A toiletries bag is a bag for holding your personal care items like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, and other bathroom supplies.
- Wake-up clock
- Notebook and pen
- An empty water bottle to fill with ZamZam water because staying hydrated is important.
- Things to help you sleep (like an inflatable pillow, a bedsheet, and a sleeping bag)
- Chips and juice boxes
Electronics: Some devices you will need when you’re out and about
Bringing a smartphone is important for the Umrah trip because it helps travellers keep in touch with their family and friends. Before starting the trip, make sure the phone is unlocked. It’s a good idea to buy local SIM cards as soon as possible. Here are some important things to pack for Umrah: a universal travel adapter, a phone charger, a power bank, a Kindle or tablet, headphones or earphones, a watch, and a flashlight.
Conclusion
Umrah is an important religious trip in Islam and should be done with true heart and honesty. So, it’s important to not forget any important items and to get ready for the trip ahead of time. You can check online guides and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah websites for the latest information and dates for Umrah.
