A Hajj Packing List for Muslim Women
By Brenda Gant
This is a list suitable for someone staying in a tent or other non-hotel accommodations.
Please note: all items with an asterisk should be taken with you to Arafat.
1. 2-3 Ihram outfits (if you choose to wear them)
2. sheets
3. body and hand towels
4. comfortable scarf to wear indoors
5. surgical masks to wear out in crowds - can be bought in the pharmacies in Saudi Arabia
6. hair tie-backs
7. coat hangers (also to use for drying washed clothes)
8. tennis shoes
9. socks
10. pajamas
11. robe
12. broken-in rubber sandals
13. Band-Aids
14. tissues
15. waterless hand wash liquid
16. fanny pack
17. non-scented soap
18. washcloth in plastic bag
19. pillow
20. small bag or suitcase (for Arafat)
21. umbrella (for sun!)
22. prayer rug
23. sunscreen (unscented)
24. Qur’an
25. Dua (supplication) and other Islamic books
26. chapstick
27. camp stool
28. water bottle carrier and plastic cup
29. battery-operated personal fan
30. toothbrush and paste
31. eye drops
Other notes:
The surest way to have a bad Hajj experience is to get sick. Alhamdulillah, I was one of the very few who didn't. My recommendations are to wear surgical masks at all times when out in crowds, and most importantly, NEVER touch any part of your face without washing your hands first, either with soap and water, or, more practically, with the new waterless hand wash gel.
Also, at the first symptom of any illness, take echinacea, vitamin C, aspirin or whatever else is indicated. And, of course, drink plenty of water at all times.
Another important piece of advice is when you are out in crushing crowds to never, ever attempt to retrieve any dropped item. Shoes, fans, books can all be replaced, but there is a severe risk of being trampled should you try to stop or bend down. As several fatal stampedes have occurred at the stoning of the Jamarat, have a 'scout' from your group check the crowd situation before you attempt to go there. Sound Vision
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