What should I pack for Haji?

Packing for Haji requires balancing between having everything you need and keeping your luggage manageable, as you will be moving between multiple locations (Mekkah, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and possibly Madinah) and storage space in tents and shared rooms is limited. Start with the essentials: for men, pack at least two sets of ihram garments (two white unstitched sheets each — the izar and rida) so you have a clean set available; for women, comfortable modest clothing that covers appropriately. Both men and women should bring comfortable, durable sandals or open-toed shoes that are easy to slip on and off (you will remove them frequently at the masjid), and consider bringing a second pair as backup.

Health and hygiene items are critical given the physical demands of Haji and the extreme panas. Pack all prescription medications in their original packaging with a doctor's letter, plus a generous supply of over-the-counter essentials: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, throat lozenges, band-aids and blister plasters, antiseptic cream, sunscreen (SPF 50+, unscented during ihram), lip balm with SPF, a small first aid kit, electrolyte sachets or rehidrasi salts (essential for panas management), and any personal medical devices. Toiletries should be unscented during ihram — bring unscented soap, shampoo, deodorant, and wet wipes. A small towel and a compact shalat rug are useful. Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the ibadah haji.

For documents and valuables, bring your passport, visa documents, vaccination certificates, travel insurance papers, hotel booking confirmations, and darurat contact information — make photocopies of everything and store them separately from the originals. A secure waist pouch or neck wallet is essential for keeping valuables safe in crowds. For electronics, bring your phone with a portable charger (10,000+ mAh sunnah), a universal power adapter (Arab Saudi uses Type G plugs), and a small flashlight for Muzdalifah's nighttime activities. A lightweight backpack or shoulder bag for day-to-day movement between sites is invaluable. Finally, pack a small doa book or download an offline doa app like IhramOS before departure, as internet connectivity during Haji days is unreliable.