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A complete Hajj preparation checklist covers five key areas: spiritual preparation (purify intention, seek forgiveness, study rituals), documentation (passport, visa, Hajj permit, vaccination records, travel insurance), financial (settle debts, arrange sacrifice payment, carry sufficient funds), health (medical checkup, vaccinations, pack medications, build physical stamina), and packing (ihram garments, comfortable walking shoes, personal items, offline phone apps). Begin preparation 3-6 months before departure.
Purify your intention (niyyah) — Hajj must be performed solely for Allah's sake. Seek forgiveness from anyone you have wronged and resolve disputes. Study the Hajj rituals thoroughly from reliable sources or with a qualified scholar. Increase voluntary worship: prayers, fasting, Quran recitation, and charity. Write your Islamic will (wasiyyah) and settle any debts or trusts.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Register with a licensed Hajj operator in your country and complete the visa application process. Obtain required vaccinations (meningitis ACWY is mandatory, COVID may be required). Arrange travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in Saudi Arabia. Make copies of all documents — carry them separately from originals.
These are the most frequent errors pilgrims make during this stage of Hajj.
Scholarly references supporting this guidance from established Islamic sources.
Ensure your Hajj is funded entirely from halal (lawful) earnings — this is a condition for acceptance. Pay the Hajj package fee to your operator by the deadline. Arrange the sacrifice (hady) payment if performing Tamattu or Qiran. Calculate and pay any outstanding zakat. Carry sufficient spending money in Saudi Riyals or easily exchangeable currency (USD/EUR). Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Visit your doctor for a full medical checkup and discuss your Hajj travel plans. Get all required and recommended vaccinations. If you have chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, asthma), get a medical clearance letter and sufficient medication supply for the entire trip plus extras. Begin a walking program — aim for 5-10 km daily to build stamina for the extensive walking during Hajj. Practice walking in the shoes you plan to wear.
Pack ihram garments (men: 2-3 sets of izar and rida; women: modest comfortable clothing). Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or sandals. Unscented toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant for use during ihram). All medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Sunscreen, umbrella, cooling towel. A small waist pouch or neck wallet for valuables. Phone charger and power bank. Downloaded offline content: IhramOS app with cached data, offline maps, offline Quran app.
Confirm all travel arrangements and hotel bookings with your operator. Bid farewell to family and friends — it is sunnah to ask for their duas. Settle any remaining financial obligations. Perform two rak'at of prayer and make dua for a safe journey and accepted Hajj. Review the ritual sequence one final time. Set your phone with all offline content downloaded and tested. Leave a copy of your itinerary and emergency contacts with family at home.