Packing Essentials
Packing with Purpose: Essentials for Every Step of Your Journey!
Ihram Related Gear
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Turkish Made Ihram comes w/ the top piece(and rida) and Izar(bottom piece). This is an Excellent Turkish Quality Ihram. Avoid Chinese made ihram clothing at all costs
If your journey starts in Mecca, be sure to pack you ihram in your carry on to make sure you land in Jeddah in a state of ihram
If your journey starts in Medinah, no need to purchase one here and just purchase it when landing in Medinah to lighten the travel
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Need space to place your phone, and other small items, all the while helping keep up you Izar(the bottom portion of your ihram clothing), this is a great Ihram belt to consider
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The Archies Sandals are not only unbelievably comfortable, but very durable. I have done Hajj TWICE with these sandals AND a Umrah. And many have appreciated this recommendation.
When purchasing new sandals, make sure to break them in and wear them at least 1 week ahead of your journey to prevent blisters.
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This is one of those protips you will thank us for. These Over the Door Hooks keep your clothes or ihram clothing, or even bag of toiletries hung while changing or using the washroom
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Choose from your choice of Fragrance Free liquid soap(though limited on carry on), bars or even sheets! During the short time of ihram, consider using any of these soaps as body wash and shampoo depending on your skin type of course
-How to Wash Brand located in Walgreens
-Kirks Soap Bar: keep bar in a separate bag WITHIN your bag to prevent it rom getting everywhere
-Fragrance Free Soap SHEETS: really neat way to stay clean, without the mess and in compact way!
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For those looking to shave their own head, finding a fragrance free Shaving Cream is very difficult to find, but we got you with this fragrance free shaving Cream
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Fragrance Free Hand Sanitizer is extraordinarily rate to find, but at Mabroor Essentials..we got you!
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Perhaps the most important item for male going into a state of ihram.
In fact its essential for men, and its to be generously placed 1-2 times daily in groin area to prevent chafing between the thighs. This is one of the most important items for men, do not forget otherwise it can lead to a very painful and miserable experience and making it difficult to walk. Place this tub in ITS OWN PLASTIC BAG so it doesn’t cause a mess anywhere else.
Water Bottles/Hydration/Sun Protection
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Avoid heavy and very insulated bottles since you will be carrying this bottle all day for many days, here are a couple of great recs
Contigo Water Bottle: lightweight, simple, only needs one hand to open AND close the spout, has a ring to hook to your bag
Spray/Mist Bottle: the spray feature in this bottle comes in handy when walking in the heat and need to cool down. however it does need two hands to open the spout and heavier then the contigo water bottle, but still a good recommendation
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Not any umbrella will do you will a Compact UV Umbella to help protect you from the Suns Rays.
You need it compact enought. to fit in your crossbody bag
LIghtweight enough as you will be holding it during the day hours for long periods of time
And the added UV feature makes a significant difference over conventional rain umbrellas
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When the air condition fails in Arafah or even Mina...these become essential to remain focused during your ibada. Recs coming soon***
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Choose any of your likening, we recommend that they are polarized for optimal protection
Power Banks/Cords/Adaptors
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A power bank is essential to keep your phone charged during the day so you can stay connected with your group and daily plans. While there are many outlets, a power bank gives you the freedom to move around without being stuck near a wall.
Choose your specific needs for your cables/phone
Anker Portable Charger USB A&C
Anker Portable Charger USB A only :
Anker with built in USB-C cable 10KmAH This powerbank already has a USB-C cable attached to it
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This is compact Adaptor and Extension Cord in ONE from a reliable brand!
This adaptor includes the most common type of Adaptor Saudi Uses Type G. Though the grounding plastic unit is a bit difficult to pull out, it does work
Whether its the hotel room, or in the mina/arafah camps, this will help keep your phone, powerbank and other items charged. has a USB-C and USB-A port as well. Also, you can get a share in the reward if other guest of Allah use this to charge their devices as well!
Organization/Packing
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This Protip is one thing that you will say Alhamdulilah and thank us for-NEON COLORED TAPE
Tape the following to find it a mile away or a pile of bags that usually happens in the tight Mina Camps
-Luggage/Suitcase
-bookbags
-shoestring bags
-crossbody bags
-zamzam box(to reinforce and find ti easily when picking it up)
Choose any vibrant color or pattern
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Tagging your luggage or even your kids is even more essential these days with Apple Air Tags
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For those times where your need an extra hook for your bottle or other items for extra space, these Carabiner Clips come in handy!
Comfortable Non Ihram Clothing
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These Casual Sandals are light, comfortable and fit in our recommended cross body bag easily that can be work day to day and outside the time your in a state of ihram
Whatever sandal you choose, make sure to break them in and where them for at least a week PRIOR to starting your journey to prevent blister formation
We also recommend not picking black or white colors so its easily distinguishable amongst the sea of slipplers/sandals
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We found the best, and coolest(literally) Boxers for Men when they arent in a state of ihram while walking the heat of Mecca and Medina
Back Bags/Cross Body Bags
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We recommend this BookBag for a few reasons.
However, please note, there is no requirement to get this bookbag, its for those looking for a larger one or need to get one. if you have one that fits your needs, then that is the one to use.
This bookbag will fit the needs for all days of the Manasik-From the day you leave to mina and come back after completing your manasik.
Additionally, this isnt a traditional book bag as the main zipper is on the side, you will truly appreciate this when it comes to organizational purposes as you dont have to dig deep to find items in a typical bookbag.
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Here is our recommended Cross Body Bag
Its affordable, good quality, fits your slippers in separate compartment (but please place your slippers in a plastic bag before placing in your bag), fits essential items(waterbottle, powerbank, umbrella, sunglasses phone, money, etc), ease of access remains in front of you while carrying it, and its not bulky.
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Check out this DrawString Bag.
Our General recommendation is that they arent to be worn daily from the hotel to the harm or even from the Mina Camps to Jamarat
This would be ideally used to place/store items to keep in Mina while taking what is needed to go to Arafah/Muzadalifah with their BookBag or Suitcase
Packing Guide for the days of Hajj
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The days of manasik are 5 OR 6 days long(see our listed Courses Essential to understand why)
So you will need to pack for this duration,
Packing Strategy to consider for the days of manasik Thul Hijja 8-12/13
Suitcases, Booking bags, etc: choose from one of the following options(A or B)
A) One Large Book Bag +Crossbody bag + Shoestring bag(mark each of these bags with Colored Tape to easily distinguish it)
-this strategy keeps both of your hands free, allowing you to be more agile and able to help other more easily
-when leaving the hotel, there is no need to wear the cross body bag and shoe string bag, these can be placed in the large book bag
-the shoe string bag will be used to store most of your items that you WONT be taking with you when you leave from Mina to Arafah/muzdalifah(eg. no need to take your non ihram clothing: socks, thobes, underwear, extra toiletries etc) on the morning of the 9th of Thul Hijja
-the cross body bag will be used during Jamarat as you may be out for a couple of hours depending on your camps location
B) One carry on suitcase+One regular book bag OR Crossbody Bag
-this strategy is for those who are unable to carry a bag for along period of time, however the terrain isnt always flat so make sure to get a carry on suitcase with good quality tires
-You will still need to consider getting a book bag or Cross Body Bag for items they need while walking, standing(opening the suitcase every time you need something isnt ideal), and walking to jamarat.
We recommend packing these items
Extra ihram for men in case one gets soiled. Women should pack their islamically appropriate clothing
For men, 2-3 pairs of underwear, socks, thobes that they can change into after they are out of partial ihram(see list of courses for details).
Medications
Duaa books, pdfs: See our Courses Essential for Resources
Toothbrush/Miswaak, Toothpick/Floss
Snacks if need be, but breakfast, lunch, dinner is served in the camps
Over The Door Hooks-to hang ihram on doors while changing, showering, etc especially in the bathrooms o mina and arafah
Best/Most Comfortable Flip Flopsfor men during state of ihram(see fiqh courses for why women dont need any particular footwear)
Fragrance Free Soap(can be used as shampoo, bodywash and handsoap if your skin allows): ideally the camps would have fragrance free soap, but there is no gaurentee
-How to Wash Brand: located in walgreens
-Kirks Soap Bar: keep bar in a separate bag WITHIN your toiletry bag to prevent it from getting everywhere)
-Native Unscented liquid soap/bodywash/shampoo
Fragrance Free Shaving Cream-for those who prefer to shave their own head
Fragrance Free Deodorant Options
Vasoline (just pick up from any store): essential for men, unscented and to be generously placed 1-2 times daily in the groin/thigh area to prevent chafing between the thighs. This is one of the most important items for men, do not forget otherwise it can lead to a very painful and miserable experience and make it difficult to walk. Place this tub in ITS OWN PLASTIC BAG so it doesn’t cause a mess anywhere else.
Extra plastic bags for dirty items, laundry etc
Water bottles/Hydration
Avoid heavy and very insulated bottles since you will be carrying this bottle all day for many days, here are a couple of great recs
Contigo Water Bottle: lightweight, simple, only needs one hand to open AND close the spout, has a ring to hook to your bag
Spray/Mist Bottle: the spray feature in this bottle comes in handy when walking in the heat and need to cool down. however it does need two hands to open the spout and heavier then the contigo water bottle, but still a good recommendation
-Hydration Packets: water ALONE wont be sufficient to remain hydrated, discuss with your doctor for your specific needs
Liquid IV choose a FLAVOR YOUR LIKE, lemon lime is the best and most people like that one
28 count Lemon Lime Liquid IV Packets
Costco may have better prices.
Power Banks/Cords: Choose your specific needs for your cables/phone
-Anker Portable Charger USB A&C
-Anker Portable Charger USB A only :
-Anker with built in USB-C cable 10KmAH This powerbank already has a USB-C cable attached to it. This size batter is sufficient for most people
-A compact Adaptor and Extension Cord in ONE from a reliable brand!
This adaptor includes the most common type of Adaptor Saudi Uses Type G. Though the grounding plastic unit is a bit difficult to pull out, it does work
Whether its the hotel room, or in the mina/arafah camps, this will help keep your phone, powerbank and other items charged. has a USB-C and USB-A port as well. Also, you can get a share in the reward if other guest of Allah use this to charge their devices as well!
**DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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One of the most asked questions we get is How much do we need to pack when we leave Mina to go to Arafah/Muzdalifah?
So will need to pack for about 24 hours: pack light! the journey is long and there will be a lot of walking.
In your large book bag or carry-on suit case we recommend the following. Rest of the items you can keep in Mina(unless stated otherwise by your group leader) in another bag(eg we recommended a duct taped marked drawstring bag to to fit this stuff you wont be taking to arafah/muzdalifah )
Have an extra ihram for men, or extra pair of Islamically appropriate clothing for women
Duaa books, pdfs
Small bag of toiletries(soap, toothbrush, toothpick/floss, deoderant) with over the door hook to hang these items will using washroom or taking a shower
UV umbrella
sunglasses
Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat. Most groups DO NOT provide any mats during the night of muzdalifah. All you get is a carpet over the hard ground. For some this may be an issue, and your rest is very important, as a busy next day awaits you. This self inflating mat is compact and as big as a large waterbottle that will fit easily
Liquid IV packets to stay hydrated
Snacks (though lunch is served in arafah)
Spray bottle to stay cool (air conditioner usually breaks down in arafah) .
Medications
Packing Guide for Daily Activities in Haramain
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When leaving your hotel to go to the Haramain, Ziyarat (visiting historical sites) with your group, or when leaving Mina to the Jamarat, use any bag that you feel is comfortable. We recommend this Cross Body Bag (or something similar). Its affordable, good quality, fits your slippers in separate compartment (but please place your slippers in a plastic bag before placing in your bag), fits essential items, ease of access while carrying it, and not bulky.
Here is what to pack inside at the least
Water bottle, packets of liquid IV
protein bars, snacks of your choice
money, credit cards
medication
printed dua books(see listed courses for printable PDFs)
phone, powerbank, cable cord
prayer mat(incase you end up praying on the tile)
umbrella
sunglasses
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Item description
Packing Items in List Format