Packing list for Umrah
I am listing out all the things that I felt were important for Umrah
Generic Items
A guide book to indicate what to do in Umrah and Haj. There are plenty of books available. Get hold of one and read it before your trip. It prepares you for the best journey of your life.
Tasbeeh (Its helps while you are doing Zihkr)
10 Litre can for zamzam (You could even buy one for 10 riyals there, but you have to check it thoroughly for defects. If you have one already
Favorite prayer / dua book.
A small notebook (To list your thoughts, duas for yourself and your loved ones, You could list your own things for which you are grateful.
Islamic literature, which you would want to read.
Atleast 3 pairs of ordinary slippers (the ones you can surely loose, when you put them at the slipper stand)
A cheap cloth bag, which you can carry over your shoulder to store your slippers.
A prayer mat. Useful, if you get place on the ground to read the namaz & the place is hot. I took it as test to survive the heat and it was not so bad. You get a lot of fancy prayer mats in a sling bag (Use it for all in one)
Optional.
Quran (There are plenty available in the Haraam)
For a 3 budget stay kind of a hotel
Soap / brush to wash personal garments clothes
Personal Soap
Check if there is laundry service (most tour packages have this included). If you have this, you are saved a lot from the headache of washing the clothes.
Optional - Mostly available in the hotels (2* and above have these facilities)
Towels
Blankets
Soap / Shampoos
For Women (Keeping indian women like me in mind)
- Hijab (Somethign that you can over your hair with)
- Preferrably salwar kurtas with full or 3/4 sleeves. Prefer cotton material
- Carry plenty of cotton duppatas to wrap yourself
- Alternatively, you could get yourself a Rida (Its what bhoris wear). Its quite convinient if you can manage it
- For Umrah rituals, you are not to cover your face and hands. It is a rule for the umrah.
- A burqa (I bought mine in Mecca & loved wearing it, though I am one of the so called modern indian women ;-). Might as well, get a simple one for yourself in Mohammed Ali Road. Its always great to have one. My personal experience with Burqa. It really makes one feel proud and protected. I never expected to feel that way.
- A sling pouch over your shoulders or back. This is useful to keep your hotel keys, bottle of water and your slippers.
For Men
- Ehraam (2 pieces of plain white cloth). Keep in mind, this should be UNSTITCHED.
- Get yourself a waist belt to hold your important items and the ehraam.
Others
- A good pair of sunglasses (the sun glares and blares). If you have a UV protector or rayban, carry it with you
- Sunscreen (If you have a sensitive skin). However, on your return - your skin will glow. The place has its own power
- Medicines (I could dole out medicines to people with stomach aches, leg aches, etc etc ;-)
Those reading this. Please let me know if there is anything that I can add. Dont forget to leave a comment.
If you do find this useful. Dont forget to pray for me - Sophia :-) :-)