Hajj and Umrah Checklist

Nanima | April 13, 2011 | 1 Comment

HAJ ESSENTIALS by Ebrahim-Khalil, Sumaya, Muhammed & Ismaail Laher This is list is comprehensive for Hajj but has some info that can be used for Umrah as well. If you have anything to add please feel free to add in comments section Clothing Female 3 x Cloaks 1 x Ihraam Cloak 3 x Cotton Pants 1 x Ihraam Pants 2 x Scarves 2 x Burkhas (one size fits all) 1 x Ihraam Burkha 1 x Takkie/ Shoe 2 x Sandals (Champals) 2 x Nikaab 3 x Socks 2 x Vests / spencers 1 x Shawl / lightweight jersey Male

3 x Kurtas 3 x Cotton Pants 3 Ihraam Towels / Sheets 1 x Ihraam Belt 1 x Ihraam Sandal 2 x Topees 3 x Socks 2 x Vests 1 x Lightweight Jacket 1 x Track pants 1 x Sandal (Champels) 1 x Shoe/Takkie 1 x Scarf Leather socks Food Teabags Sugar Travelling kettle 2 x Plastic Mugs 2 x Plastic Plates 6 x Plastic Spoons Nuts Dry fruit

Biltong?? Crisp Biscuits Juice ??? Water ??? Sweets Vita-C

To order food: Mecca Bilal 576-1687 / 053 502 915 Dawoodbhai 574-8059 / 542 1020 Maimuna 542-9710 Yunus Patel 574-6041 Rabia - 554 1749 Mustaq Moosa 574 9076 Choohan - 542 9710 / 052 773 283

Medina Shamima and Omar - 826-4995 / 054 355 325 Ayesha Desai 839 2740 Miriam Nakooda 821 2315 / 823 2772 Ahmed Nakooda - 824 0358

Food Outlets In Hilton Tariq Ashoor Burgers, Al-Baik (Medina, Mecca, Azizia, Mina) Al-Tezaj (Mecca, Medina, Azizia) Steak Express in Hilton(Mecca) Pizzas of Eight (Mecca)

Pizza Hut (Medina, Azizia, Zam Zam towers P3 they deliver) Burger King Impala in Zam Zam towers Al Abraar Restaurant (Mecca Pakistani cuisine) Faisalabad Restaurant (Mecca Pakistani Cuisine) P3 food court in Zam Zam towers has a variety of food Try strawberry juice and meatrolls, Make your own meals croissants, olives, feta, fruit, yoghurt, long rolls, white cheese can buy from Bin Dawood Supermarket, Al Noori Supermarket or Al Raya Supermarket

Kitaabs, etc. 2 x Small Quraans Afzal Kitaab Mufti Ilyas Haj-Umrah-Ziyarah 2 x Tasbihs

2 x Haj Wazifas 2 x Haj Cards 2 x Musallas (preferably thickish ones 4 last few days b4 haj) Medication Can pick up haj pack from Amalgamated Pharmaceuticals in Industria u will need to go with your haj ticket or other proof of your impending trip. Medication in the pack consists of the generic variety, so we suggest you take your own as well At least 2 x courses of antibiotics (1 penicillin-based and 1 not) Running stomach tablets (Immodium / lomotil/ etc) Fever tablets (Panado) Flu tablets Nausea / Vomiting tablets Cough syrup Deep Heat / voltaren Throat Lozenges (andolax c / cepacol / medikeel) Zambuk Rehidrate Berocca Citro Soda Vitamins Personal Items Nail Clipper Scissors Shampoo

Toothpaste Toothbrush Soap (Azizia) 2 x cheap towels (Azizia) Hand cream Heel balm Hairbrush Alarm clock small travelling clock Neck purse Locks for bags Rope for bags Duck tape for Zam-Zam / can also just plastic wrap zam zam @ airport Marker pen 8 x bank packets Pebbles for pelting Tawaaf counter Shoe bags Luggage scale Tissues, toilet paper (Azizia) Five Days 2 x backpacks / knapsacks 2 x lightweight blankets 2 x Hajji Mats 2 x wet ones

2 x tissues/ toilet paper Elastics for arms & legs (ladies) Medication Food 2 x face cloths 2 x small soaps unscented (Green sunlight soap) 2 x Miswaaks Pen Paper remember to note down your own duas for Arafaat Berocca Scissors Disinfectant ??? Map Small torch ??? Quraan, kitaabs, reading material, tasbihs, etc. Miscellaneous Small dishwashing liquid Sta Soft 750 ml Omo or Surf Micro (500 grams) 12 x Hangers International plug Cellphone/s Charger/s

Best to take cellphone & get sim card there with construction, hardly any phone cabins available Extra passport photos for Muassasa cards Some notes Do not forget to organise your normal Qurbani in S.A. This is different from the sacrifice as part of Hajj. Do not forget to get maps on that side. Very helpful during the five days. Can get them from almost any information desk. Reconfirm booking with Saudia office in Hilton if you are going with Saudia. Other airlines have offices near the Haram in Mecca. Do not forget to take your Immunisation cards Make photocopies of passport, marriage certificate, Make notes of travellers cheque numbers. Remember to keep slip, as you will not have your passport. Get hotel cards on arrival in case you get lost Use blue Quraan (called the Pakistani Quraan in the Haram) Buy extra Kajoor at Al-Nuri Supermarket Cheaper than the places in the Hilton, and the quality is often better. Al nuri & Al Raya in Azizia the ones near the Haram broken in construction Buy other Kajoor especially fancy Kajoor at date factory or market in Medina To get to Mina from Mecca, the quickest way is to take a taxi to Azizia. Tell driver to drop you at Khalik Malik Kubry in Azizia and walk along side street pass Flywell Apartments and Kings Palace through the tunnel into Mina. SA special services camp on approximately third offramp on the left. IMMUNISATION INFORMATION can get immunisation done at community clinic in Hillbrow for a fraction of the price If u have any questions please feel free 2 give us a shout Last but not least, please remember us in your duas. Haj Maqbool!

Preparing For Hajj Some tips for techno hajjis

Posted on the September 27th, 2010 under Internet,Islam and Muslims,Reflections/Thoughts,South Africa by Tohir Going on Hajj nowadays is so much different from years ago. As someone that was fortunate to be there in 1995 and last year (2009), the differences were stark. No longer did we have queue for prepaid phones, we could video chat (skype) with our family back home. No longer did people have to wait for photos to be developed. We shared them immediately on Facebook. And yes, we took photos of ourselves inside the Haram and MMSd it home! Opting to take our gadgets also came with its own preparation. Having learnt from the advice of well-wishers, as well as mistakes from previous trips, here are some tips we can offer.

Electricity Get a Travel Plug Converter Saudi Arabia uses the Type F plug, South Africa the Type M. One Hajji noted that his hotel also had the Type G plug (as used in the UK), but this is very rare. I found a travel plug converter at Diskem, but its generally available at stores like Cape Union Mart. Also try places that sell suitcases. Type G to Type M is easier to find and available at Clicks for instance, but rather take the Type F. This also makes a handy gift to Hujaaj! We also took with a multiplug allowing us to comfortably power the laptop as well as charge our cellphones, camera battery, electric tooth brushes, electric shavers. Saudi Arabia also uses 220V so theres no need to change the voltage on your equipment.

Type F Plug

Type M Plug

Type G Plug WiFi and Internet Even if Wifi is advertised free in your hotel, it may only be available on a certain floor. Check with your travel agent whether the hotels you are staying in offer WiFi and whether WiFi is offered on all floors or just some. I found WiFi more available in Medina than in Makka. It may be because of the construction work, but speculation on my side. Internet on your Cellphone Have a habit of quickly checking Facebook on your cell phone, I was shocked to see how expensive this is with airtime just running away. My guess is that it costs something in the region of Rs2 (Saudi Riyals) a megabyte which would be more expensive than South Africa. Tip: Keep this is mind that their billing rate may be different. Also check your airtime balance regularly, and modify the settings of programs that connect to the Internet. In my case, one of them was one that downloads the daily weather.

3G Internet for Your Laptop It is possible to take your 3G card with and purchase a one 30 day data bundle from a service provider in Saudi Arabia. There are two advantages to doing this:

If your hotel does not offer WiFi on your floor, you can comfortably Skype and video chat with your family in the comfort of your hotel room. If your package involves moving to Azizia, youll have Internet access there! Azizia is nice, but WiFi is not standard there

Some tips on purchasing a data bundle 1) Saudi Arabia has two main operators: STC and Mobily. STC is the equivalent of Telkom, advertises everything but has nothing and unlikely to help you if they sense you are going to make them THINK or do some real work. The service from Mobily on the hand was wonderful. They knew their products, no queues. 2) Purchase the data bundle in Medina Makka is full. Since it is also winter there, there is a shorter time between the Waqts and also to get to the Haram on time. By the time you get to the front of the queue, its time for Salaah. However, try and purchase it closer to the end of your stay in Medina, but with enough time to go back to them if any issues arise (about three days before you leave). A data bundle lasts for 30 days. The later you purchase your data bundle, the later for your stay in Makka you can use it. Otherwise you run in the dillemma of wanting to purchase a data bundle just a few days before Haj and risk losing the balance of data/airtime. 3) Requirements I purchased the data bundle at the Mobily Store in Central Medina (opposite the Hilton hotel). They required a photocopy of my passport (which I did not have) but accepted my Al Anwar card. Best to take a photocopy of your passport with. 4) The connection settings for Mobiliy is built into Ubuntu, just setup a Mobile connection. For Windows users, they are: Number: *99# APN: web2 However, the pamphlet given is quite handy. The salesman will also tell you that you can bring your laptop to them and they will help you set it up! AIR Time

Recharge Card Airtime is sold in various denominations. However, if you buy a larger, you stand to gain extra airtime. For example, a Rs100 airtime card gives your Rs150 airtime (cant recall exactly, but it was in this region). Best of all, the cards have two scratch areas, so even if it is a single card, the airtime can go on to two phones. As they say in Cape Town, Klap together. This also offers the opportunity for the budding entrepreneurs in Makka and Medina. Check that you are not paying the extra Rs50 when you dont have to. Also, some of them will sell you half the card for Rs75. There are so many of them, just walk away and move to the next guy. Internet Banking The number one rule: Update your profile to receive your One Time Password (OTP) via email. By default, most people receive their OTP via SMS. Unless you have international roaming activated and WORKING, you may not receive this, which may stop you from performing any transactions via the Internet. Standard Bank users can only opt to receive their OTP via SMS or email. FNB users have the option of receiving the OTP via email in addition to SMS. However, for both of them, you need to setup the OTP via email before leaving your hometown. Usually someone from the branch has to phone you, ask you to verify your details, etc. before they set this. For Standard Bank, if you set up a recipient, you will not need to enter a OTP when doing a transfer to them. ATMs, Banking in General Please check that your card does not expire whilst you are on Haj. Banks usually have your new card a month before they expire, and you can request them to send you one earlier as well. You are able to do cash withdrawals at Al Rajhi bank. In Makka, they are situated in front of the Hilton hotel. In Medina, theres an ATM on the first floor of the Hilton Hotel. In most of the more modern malls, they do accept cards. Some of the smaller shops usually share one machine

that services a group of them, so you may have to walk to another point to have your card swiped. Wires Make a checklist of all the wires and cables you need to take with. Its annoying to be on the other side of the world only to discover you dont have a cable you need. Back Home Preparation Apart from checking that you are hooked up, ensure that your family is likewise. Are they able to connect to the Internet, start skype, etc.? Does their webcam give a grainy or feed, etc.? Run a few checks before you leave, and also put them in contact with someone thats knowledgeable. If they are going to use someone elses Internet connection, ensure that you have budgeted for this as well. Lastly, Where possible, assist your fellow Hujaaj if you can. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the best of people are those who assist others, and how much greater is this in the Holy Cities. If you find any of these tips handy, please make Duah that the Almighty grants the author to apply these tips himself in the Holy Lands, Insha Allah

Going for Hajj Check ListF

Prepared by Engr. SK Jafri (Riyadh)

The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah EHRAM TOWELS (Towel / Cloth) Other Clothes Slippers or Chappal

Min is two. You may keep one more set to change Ehram after each use. Cloth other than towel is better for those who could have allergy or other problem with towel. May try one from each type. Keep them at a minimum since they occupy space. Recommend max two pairs. Rubber slippers or chappal are good as they are light and washable. Recommend a small cloth or polythene bag to carry the slippers into the harem area in order not to lose them. Recommend carrying two pairs of slippers or

chappal.

Map

Waist Belt with pockets

Light foodstuff

Your Personal ID, Address, Contact Numbers, Sponsors Name & Address and Phones etc.

Recommend a map of all Haj related areas to have a sense of direction during the haj activities. This is sometimes distributed by Saudi airlines. Check. This is highly recommended, as you must carry your ID, some cash, cards and addresses with you while in Ehram. Biscuits, dry fruits (some qty for survival). Must carry good quantities if accompanied by children. Recommend to keep your solid diet to a minimum during the Haj days. I call it a big blunder not to carry these during haj with yourself (not to be kept in the hand-bag) This is optional but very important, fill it with water from time to time from coolers, which will be available everywhere in all haj areas. This is also very important. Avoid continuous direct sunlight for long periods. In order to avoid heat stroke and dehydration you must keep on drinking (reasonable) quantities of water and preferably adding these salts to the water.

A Small Thermos (light weight)

ORS (Salts)

Other Medicines (optional)

Umbrella (optional)

Seven Bead Tasbeeh

Proper medical facilities will be available with doctors during haj, but you may keep your own specific medicines as necessary. Recommend Panadol tablets (Tempra Syrup for kids), Multivitamin tabs or syrup, cough syrup. Also must carry tablets/syrup for diarrheal conditions. If you know the anti-biotic that suits you, I recommend that as a must take. You cannot easily walk with an open umbrella in large crouds since it causes inconvenience to others, but if you are with children, better keep one. Sometimes you have to use it. I personally recommend this, as it is useful to count the Tawaf and the Safa/Marwa roundtrips OR have any other suitable way to remember the roundtrip counts. It is your choice. Necessary Haj related book(s) in small size, a pen or pencil.

Sun-glasses Books

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. Quran * 25. Dua (suplication) 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. Alhamdu lillah, 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.
Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

When you travel for the holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journy that is not only far off but is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people behind us. According to Islam you should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you leave.

Download a Sample of Islamic will for you and print it. Following is a check list of items to be carried for the pilgrimage you madd more things it is always better to prepare the list so at last moment you do not forget any items which you might need.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Ahram Towel An Umbrella Pair of Sleepers Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste mouth wash if necessary Shampoo & Soap Few packs of biscuits and other dry food items Packet of tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll Alarm Clock Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough Syrup, Immodium Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing Soap One or 2 Cups and glasses Few pairs of socks Nail Cutter Scissors A small Knife for cutting fruits (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage) Camera and Sufficient batteries take extra batteries (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage) A prayer mat if needed. One or two Extra Travel Bags this is for when you go to some place for a longer period or for bringing gifts on way bak. Some Extra Packed Juices of soft drinks they are available but its better to have one or two in your bag as well. Face cream or cold cream or Patroleum Jelly Its very hot but due to Air-conditioning its also very dry. A Travel Iron Tea Bags and Water Heater for making tea

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

Attend the hajj seminars and workshops conducted by your Hajj tour company (tour-operator) Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary before you leave for Hajj These Items are Your Passport Your Identity Card Your Airline Ticket Hotel Vouchers Transport Vouchers or tickets

Although most airlines flying out from Jeddah allow hajj passengers to carry zam zam water on board in addition to the maximum weight allowance it is better to find out when you arrive at airport when you arrive about carrying zam zam Allow some flexibility in your departure schedule as it may not be possible for you to depart on scheduled dates due to some unforeseen circumstances particularly for women if the have to delay tawaf of hajj (tawaf-ziyarah) due to menstrual cycle For women they may want to should consult with their doctor and take proper medications to delay or differ the menstruation cycle during the Hajj or Umrah All the flights to Jeddah airport cross the miqat before they land in Jeddah therefore you must be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah airport If you are traveling direct to Jeddah, you will assume Ihram before you board the plane other wise you enter Ihram at any transit stop enroute to Jeddah. Your group leader will advise you about it. You will have lots of help from your fellow hajjis, or your group leader who accompanys your group.
The Real Hajj Checklist
P eople become so bus y pre paring for their journey tha t they forget about the real Hajj check list. Have we ever thought of creat ing a Hajj list that ensures this - probably once in a life time experience - is done correctly with no flaws? After all, a faultless Hajj recei ves no re ward other than Al -J annah. These are what I believe are the most essential items on your Hajj check list. 1. I ntention The intention must be checked thoroughly and scrutinized carefully. Why should one go for Hajj? The f i r s t r e a s o n to bear in mind is the ultimate submission to the call of Allah.

P ilgrima ge ther eto is a duty men owe to All ah, those who can a fford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures. [ 3: 97]

And complete the Hajj or U mra in the servi ce of All a h [ 2: 196] You go for Hajj because Allah commands you to do so, and your intention is to submit to the will of Allah. You travel there with full humbleness and humility to Allah. When it comes to the obedience of Allah there should be no question asked.

.
And they say: We hear, and we obey, (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys. [ 2: 285] It is Allah who is above questioning and everyone else is not. It feels so great making Tawaf around the Kaba when youre submerged in waves of hu man beings, hundreds of thousands fro m a ll wal ks o f life, and youre j u s t o n e o f ma n y. It feels so great kno wing that Allah sees you there, deals with you individually

and answers your calls. Subdue your ego, and Hell be there for you and for you alone. The second reason, answering the call of our forefather Ibrahim (as). When Ibrahim (as) first left his famil y in the dead barren valley of Makkah he knew it was a sacred site, the site of the first house of worship ever built on earth. He asked Allah to bring people to it and direct their hearts to its residents.

.

O our Lord! I have made s ome o f my offspring to dwell in a valle y without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establis h regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, a n d fe e d t h e m wi t h F ru it s : s o t h a t th e y ma y gi ve t h a n ks . [ 1 4: 37] And Allah answered his call. Furthermore Ibrahi m (as) was instructed to reconstruct the Sacred House and call upon people to fulfil the dut y the y owe to All ah, the duty o f visiting this sa cred site.

And proclaim the P ilgrima ge a mong men; the y will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on ever y kind of ca mel, le an on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highwa ys; [ 22:27] In Tafsir Al-Tabari and Ibn Katheer, Ibrahim (as) wondered how he could deliver this message to the world; and the answer came to him: You make the call, and Well shall make the delivery. Thereupon he mounted one of the mountains surrounding the Kaba and made his call loudly for people to visit the House of Allah and Allah made it reach beyond P rophet Ibrahims hu man voice. Since that particular time p eople started floc king towa rds one destination from every corner of the world in such a magnificent scene. All going to Makkah. So when you move out your home where ver youre comin g fro m or wal k out of your hotel in Aziziyyah around Ma kkah, or even your tent in Mina, remember that you are the ans wer to this perpetual call. It is the respect we pay to our beloved forefather Ibrahim (as) and a show of dutifulness to him. The third reason for going for Hajj, is to purify your heart fro m an ybody but Allah, in genuine sincerity and Tawheed.

And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage - that Allah and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the P agans. If then, ye repent, it we re best for you; [ 9: 3] The Hajj is an opportunity to renew your covenant wit h Allah, that you worship none but Him.

Wh y did you undertake the journey to Makk ah an ywa y if you didnt believe in Him? You go there to purify your acts of worship. There are no shrines in Makkah except for what Allah has already placed. Therefore keep your acts of worship pure to Him alone.

.
Behold! We gave the site, to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in p r a ye r ) . [ 2 2 : 2 6 ] It is sad to see people trave lling to Makkah carr ying with them their a mulets and char ms. What is more troubling is the notion people arrive with, that is to carr y with them on the way back home so me religious icons purchased from Makkah for the sake of protection or blessings. Allah detests the act of deviation in the home of purity and sincerity.

And any whose purpose therein is deviation or associating partners, them will We c ause to taste o f a most grievous P enalty. [ 22: 25] One misconceptions about Hajj is that we worship the Kaba. The Messenger of Allah made it clear that the sanctity of the Muslim blood is greater than the sanctity of the Kaba itself, and yet you see people fight each other over the Kaba let alone the Black Stone Al -hajar Al-Aswad. Yes indeed, it gives you such a great emotional and spiritual rush when you approach the Kaba. I have seen people collapse as they lay their sight on the Kaba first time in life, I have se en people break in tears the mo ment the y enter the main court surrounding the Kaba. I have se en man y e motiona l mo ments that break your ego and crushes your arrogance as you enter the Grand Masjid - Al-Masjid Al-Haram - and if you dont feel the same when youre there then your heart is already in a coma and you need to be put in an intensive spiritual care unit until you wake up from your heedlessness. The tear s we shed, the crie s we pro clai m, the agonies we de monstrate and all the load we throw there are done for Allah the Lord of that Sacred House.

Let the m worship the Lord of this House [ 106: 3] Some people out of false ecstasy and fake reverence refuse t o give the Kaba their back on their way out. They keep walking backwards facing the Kaba