Umrah is a great event in the life of a Muslim. It is a process of spiritual purification, self-reflection and identification with the God. When you forget to take your toothbrush on a normal holiday, the loss is a minor inconvenience, on the other hand, all the loss of essentials on a pilgrimage means that you lose focus on your worship. A very specific packing strategy is determined by the climate in Saudi Arabia, the physical requirements of the rituals, and the requirements peculiar to Ihram.
Peace of mind is achieved through proper preparation. You do not have to worry about the world when your suitcase is filled with the necessary tools and clothes and you are focused on the Kaaba to the full extent. Being an experienced traveler or first time pilgrim, the first step toward successful and accepted Umrah is a comprehensive checklist.
Why Hajar Travels Offers the Best New York Umrah Packages
To the individuals leaving the East Coast, it is important to make good traveling arrangements that will put the right mood in the trip. We Hajar Travels specialize in the packaging of New York Umrah Packages which relieves the logistical hassles. We know that the journey starts the moment you get out of your door in New York, not when you arrive in Jeddah. The packages we offer would offer smooth changes, cozy lodging close to the Haram and assistance throughout the entire process. By committing to Hajar Travels, you are guaranteed that your attention is completely on your spiritual duty and we provide the hassles of international travel.
Important Documents and Finance
Securing your documentation is something you have to do before even thinking of clothing. These are the things without which you cannot start a journey. It is strongly advisable to always carry a special travel wallet or pouch that you are always near your body.
You should prepare the following:
- Passport and Visa: Make sure that your passport is valid and has a duration of at least 6 months. Carry more than one photocopy of your passport and visa in separate bags so that in case the original is lost.
- Immunization Records: Saudi Arabia is prone to several health conditions which include meningitis vaccine. Also with you are your yellow card or electronic evidence of vaccination.
- Flight Tickets and Itinerary: Print hard copy of the return tickets and hotel bookings. You can have a technology breakdown, a battery failure but paper is certain.
- Currency: The credit cards are common in Makkah and Madinah but the real king when it comes to small purchases, taxi ride, and charity (Sadaqah) is cash. It is prudent to change a bit of US Dollars to Saudi Riyals (SAR) either leaving the place or as soon as you enter the airport.
- Emergency Contact Numbers: Note down the numbers of your hotel, your group leader with Hajar Travels and local consulate.
Ihram and Clothing Essentials
The most important thing in packing to Umrah is the observance of the dressing code especially the state of Ihram. Saudi Arabia has a hot and dry weather and sometimes the nights in deserts can be chilly depending on the seasons.
For Men
Two pairs of Ihram cloths (two white unstitched sheets) will be required. One of them is to be worn and the other is a spare in case of soiling of the first one. Because you are forbidden to wear clothing stitched in the state of Ihram, you must have a special Ihram belt. This keeps the lower sheet in position and most of them are accompanied by a pouch to keep your money and passport.
Wear loose breathable cotton thawabs or shalwar kameez, on those days, when you are not in the Ihram. Artificial clothes like polyester that are traps of heat and sweat must not be used.
For Women
Women do not have to wear particular white sheets but have to practice modest Islamic dressing. Bring loose fitting Abayas which are not tight to the body. The sun can be reflected with light colors, yet black is traditional and is popular in wearing.
You will require a number of comfortable hijabs and niqabs (in case, you wear them). To maintain the hair back and, to absorb sweat, cotton underscarves are essential. Also remember to bring non-slip socks because it is easy to slip on the marble floors, most women use leather socks (khuff) due to the convenience of wudu.
Footwear Strategy
You will be walking further than you think. Endless tens of thousands of steps daily between the Tawaf, Sa'i, walking to and fro the Haram. It is no time to wear new shoes.
- Sandals: The Ihram men also have to be wearing open sandals with open toes and ankle. Make sure that they are soft and strong.
- Walking Shoes: You have two days off of Ihram, so you should bring a pair of high-quality, cushion-soles shoes or walking shoes, a pair.
- Shoe Bag: This is a pro-tip item. On entering the Haram, you have to remove your shoes. It is a nightmare finding them again in the huge shoe racks. Have a light drawstring bag to carry your shoes with (clean and bagged) with you when you are praying.
Toiletries and Personal Care (Unscented)
During the state of Ihram, you are prohibited to use scented items. This is adhered to very strictly meaning that you have to buy certain toiletries in advance.
Things you will need in your toiletry bag will include:
- Demand for unscented soap and shampoo to Ihram? Get perfume-free in your local drugstores or Islamic shops.
- Unscented Deodorant: This is something that cannot be compromised on by the heat.
- Vaseline or Anti-Chafing Cream: Umrah usually causes a state of chafing between the thighs due to the amount of physical activity performed. This little object will save you days of suffering.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Saudi Arabian sun is so bright. During Zuhr and Asr, wear a jacket that would cover your skin and eyes, in particular.
- Small Scissors: To leave the Ihram state you will need a pair of small Scissors to cut your hair (Taqsir).
The First Aid Kit
Physical activity and the large number of people usually cause illness to the travelers because of sudden climate change. Influenza in Umrah is a usual phenomenon. With a small medical supply kit on hand, you will be healthy enough to proceed with your worship.
Take painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol to the muscle aches post Umrah. Carry lozenges and cough syrup which are helpful since the dry air usually irritates the throat. Electrolyte pills (hydration salts in a powder form) are good in fighting dehydration. When you are taking prescription drugs, make one supply that is enough to take you through the whole trip and a bit more and keep them in the original prescription bottles in order to avoid getting into trouble at the customs.
Electronics and Connectivity
being in touch with family back home and religious apps needs power. The Saudi Arabian plugs are of Type G (the British three-pin), but some hotels have Type C (European two-pin). It is the most secure to have a universal travel adapter.
A power bank with great capacity is essential. You can spend many hours in the Haram, and it is hard to find an electric socket. You are also likely to read Quran on your phone, use Umrah guide applications, and find your way back to your hotel, which wears out the battery very fast.
Spiritual Toolkit
Although you can have the Quran and Dua books in your phone, a lot of pilgrims have noticed that a physical book gives them a more concentrated experience with no notifications.
- Mushaf Pocket Quran: is a smaller sized Mushaf which is easy to carry and read when waiting to pray.
- List of Dua Book: Prepare yourself, family, and Umrah a list of Duas. A physical copy of the book like the one of Fortress of the Muslim (Hisn al-Muslim) is very convenient.
- Tasbeeh: This is an electronic counter or traditional beads that will help you to keep track of your Dhikr.
- Prayer Mat: You have the carpeted mosques, however, to make it easier you can have a prayer mat that is thin and travel sized that you can bring with you when you find yourself trapped praying in your hotel room or you are trapped in the courtyard on marble.
Booking Your Trip from the East Coast
This is half the battle but the other half is to make sure that you have a perfect travel partner. Our Umrah Packages shine in New York. Hajar Travels is extremely honored to serve the New York Muslim community offering them clear, cheap yet quality pilgrimage services. In order that you should not arrive at the Holy Lands with a sore head we ensure that not only are your flights smooth but that your hotels are not shabby either. The added benefit of this is the fact that you also have a local team, which is knowledgeable about your special travel needs and will create an itinerary that can ensure that you spend the most time in worship by choosing a package that is specific to the city of New York at the departure level.
A Journey of a Lifetime
Umrah packing is a balance between the need to buy physical and the necessity to prepare spiritually. Bringing the necessary things, you will get rid of the friction of your everyday life and your heart and mind will be engaged in the memory of Allah.
May thy blighten, heart heavy with deviousness, thy way be secure. Hajar Travels are delighted that you are heading to the Holy Cities. May you have Umrah Maqbool- a good pilgrimage.
