Hajj Essentials

Early morning on the 8th day of Thul Hijja, pilgrims enter ihram in their hotel in preparation to travel to the Mina camps by bus from their hotel. Follow your group leader’s exact instructions. Some groups may leave the day before for logistical reasons.

Depending on the package selected, luggage handling differs.

Non-shifting packages

• You may be able to keep luggage in your Mecca hotel room.
• You may have access to it during the Hajj days and after completing Hajj.
• Access during the days of manasik is limited and should not be assumed.
• Pack as if you will not have access to your hotel during the days of manasik.

Shifting packages

• You generally will not have access to your Mecca hotel.
• The next time you see your baggage may be in Medina, if your package includes a Medina stay after Mecca, or at the airport.
• Make sure essential items are with you.
• Some operators may send luggage to an Aziziyah location, so confirm with your operator.

The days of manasik are 5 or 6 days long. Pack for the full duration.

Strategy A — One large backpack + crossbody bag + drawstring bag

• Mark each bag with colored tape so it is easy to identify.
• This keeps both hands free and makes you more agile.
• When leaving the hotel, place the crossbody bag and drawstring bag inside the large backpack.
• The drawstring bag can store items that will remain in Mina when leaving for Arafah and Muzdalifah, such as non-ihram clothing, socks, thobes, underwear, and extra toiletries.
• The crossbody bag is useful for Jamarat because you may be out for several hours depending on camp location.

Strategy B — Carry-on suitcase + regular backpack or crossbody bag

• Better for pilgrims unable to carry a bag for a long period.
• Terrain is not always flat, so use a suitcase with durable wheels.
• Still bring a backpack or crossbody bag for items needed while walking, standing, and going to Jamarat.

Recommended items

• Extra ihram for men in case one gets soiled.
• Islamically appropriate clothing for women.
• For men after partial ihram: 2–3 pairs of underwear, socks, and thobes.
• Medications.
• Duaa books or PDFs.
• Toothbrush or miswaak.
• Toothpick or floss.
• Snacks, if needed, although breakfast, lunch, and dinner are usually served in the camps.
• Over-the-door hooks for hanging ihram or clothing while changing or showering, especially in Mina and Arafah bathrooms.
• Comfortable flip-flops for men during ihram. Women do not need specific footwear for ihram.
• Fragrance-free soap usable as shampoo / body wash / hand soap if tolerated.
• Fragrance-free shaving cream for those shaving their own head.
• Fragrance-free hand sanitizer.
• Fragrance-free deodorant.
• Vaseline, unscented, especially for men to prevent thigh / groin chafing. Place it in its own plastic bag.
• Extra plastic bags for dirty items and laundry.
• Lightweight water bottle.
• Spray / mist bottle.
• Hydration packets such as Liquid IV, after considering personal medical needs.
• Power banks and charging cables.
• Compact Type G adapter and extension cord.

1. 1Pin the location in your maps in case you get lost, and take a picture of your Mina camp number.
2. 2You may have cots that fold into chair / beds. Some tent areas may have overhead space for belongings.
3. 3Do not leave your campsite. Get settled, rest, and make sure your Arafah plan is ready.
4. 4Lunch and dinner are usually served, but be cautious with foods that may cause stomach issues because toilets may not be easily accessible over the next 24 hours, especially in Muzdalifah.
5. 5Coffee and tea are usually readily available.
6. 6Stay hydrated. Use hydration packets appropriately. Many small water bottles may be available; some pilgrims use half a packet of Liquid IV per small bottle. Do not rely only on plain water if you are sweating heavily and walking in heat.
7. 7Try to use washrooms about 90 minutes before prayer times to avoid rush and long lines.
8. 8Spaces are cramped. Remain patient and focused on Hajj.
9. 9Stay in close communication with your group leader about plans for the day and next day.
10. 10Know where the nearest clinic or emergency medical building is located.
11. 11Stay with your group.

Early morning on the 9th of Thul Hijja, at the direction of your group leader, you will leave Mina and go to Arafah by the manasik train or bus.

Pack for about 24 hours and pack light. The journey is long and includes significant walking. Keep unnecessary items in Mina unless your group leader says otherwise.

Items to take

• Extra ihram for men or Islamically appropriate clothing for women.
• Duaa books or PDFs.
• Small toiletry bag with soap, toothbrush, toothpick / floss, deodorant, and over-the-door hook.
• Umbrella.
• Sunglasses.
• Self-inflating sleeping mat.
• Liquid IV or hydration packets.
• Snacks, although lunch is usually served in Arafah.
• Spray bottle to stay cool, especially because air conditioning may fail in Arafah.

When you arrive at the Arafah campsite, there may be a lot of walking to reach your actual camp. Pin the location on your maps in case you get lost.

1. 1There may be cots that turn into beds. If you arrive before Dhuhr, rest. It will be a long day and you need energy for duaa.
2. 2Do not venture out of the camp. Stay indoors. Do not walk to Jabal Rahmah no matter what others say. You may consider stepping just outside your tent around 30 minutes before Maghrib when it cools down to continue making duaa.
3. 3After Dhuhr / Asr prayer, remain patient and focused. This is the central spiritual period of Hajj.

1. 1Use the washroom before leaving Arafah because bathroom access in Muzdalifah is more limited.
2. 2After Maghrib, your group leader will announce departure to Muzdalifah by train or bus depending on your package. Stay with the group.
3. 3On arrival to Muzdalifah, after praying Maghrib / Isha, get rest on your self-inflating mat. The next day will be very busy.

Before or after Fajr, depending on your situation and fiqh / course guidance, you will go back toward Mina camps, but you may perform Jamarat before returning to your actual tent.

• Depending on your package, you will leave Muzdalifah to Mina / Jamarat by train or bus.
• After completing Day 1 of Jamarat, return to your tents.
• Follow your group leader’s directions closely.

Some groups will go to Mecca to complete additional rituals such as Tawaf and Sa’ee. Follow your group leader’s instructions and package details regarding Adahi / Udhiya and when to shave or trim.

If you opt out of the Nusuk Udhiya program, are not given an option, or do not trust the available option, these resources are commonly used by pilgrims.

• Some Hajj travel agents do their own sacrifices; check with them directly.
• Sheikh Hamza Walid Maqbul’s LaunchGood campaign — link to be added when available.

Most pilgrims remain in Mina through Thul Hijja 12 and then leave to the airport, Medina, or back to Mecca for those with non-shifting hotel packages. Some remain in Mina through the 13th of Thul Hijja. Some may complete remaining manasik during these days.

During these days after Dhuhr, you leave the Mina tents to perform Jamarat. Stay with your group because it is easy to get lost on the way back.

Camp distance notes

• Majar Al-Kabsh / Camp A: Jamarat may be around 300 meters from camp, but the whole Jamarat process can still take about 1 hour from start to finish.
• Mu’asim / Camp C: approximately 3 km away. About 1 hour to walk there plus additional time to complete Jamarat. Expect 2.5–3 hours total from start to finish.

Items to carry

• Crossbody bag or backpack.
• Stones: 21 each day, plus extras in case of miscounting or losing some.
• Water bottle with hydration packets.
• Duaa books.
• Sunglasses.
• Umbrella.
• Snacks if walking from a far camp.
• Necessary medications.

During these days and when leaving Mina:

Non-shifting packages

• Usually have dedicated times to go back to Mecca hotels and return later in the days.
• At completion of Mina days, you return to your Mecca hotel by bus.

Shifting or Aziziyah-only packages

• May have the opportunity to relax and shower in Aziziyah locations.
• At completion of Mina days, you may go to the airport or Medina.