Hajj, day by day

General Guidelines

If your stay begins in Medina, you will usually have a few days to spend at Masjid Al-Nabawi before traveling to Mecca.

There is no need to enter the state of Ihram while on the airplane or during a layover before reaching Jeddah. Men do not need to purchase Ihram clothing before arriving in Medina; it is more convenient to buy it there, which helps reduce packing at home.

Preparing for your arrival in Medina is similar to preparing for any other travel destination. There are no specific items required for Medina itself, but it is important to review the etiquette of being in the presence of the Beloved Messenger ﷺ and to prepare spiritually and mentally for Hajj.

What to expect when landing

Though NOT all packages have a Medinah stay, nor is it required for Hajj, visiting our Beloved Messenger ﷺ in Masjid Al-Nabawi feels essential during this journey

Here is what to expect when landing in

Jeddah Airport

Saudi Customs will scan your fingerprints and stamp your passport and make sure you have the required vaccines

as soon as you exit customs, another layer of security checks you passport to confirm you got your passport stamped

walk to baggage claim to pick up your bags where your operator SHOULD meet you and organize you into groups(or they may meet you after you exit the baggage claims area)

your operator will take you either via bus or train to medina, and facilitate the rest of their services

Medina Airport

Saudi customs will take your fingerprints and stamp your passport and make sure you have the required vaccines

as soon as you exit customs, another layer of security checks you passport to confirm you got your passport stamped

walk to baggage claim to pick up your bags where your operator SHOULD meet you and organize you into groups(or they may meet you after you exit the baggage claims area)

Your operator will take you via bus to your hotel and will facilitate the rest of their services

What to expect when arriving to your Hotel

What to expect When arriving to your Medina Hotel

Checking into Medina hotel can take several hours, so be patient. don't ruin the spirit of your hajj with impatience.

keep your key card away from your phone as the card can become defective(go to front lobby for them to fix it, but that can be very inconvenient as can take alot of time)

place your passport and other items you dont want to lose in the lock box in your room,

Make sure to follow your group leader for lectures, meetings, etc

Most packages will have Half Board regarding meals, meaning Breakfast AND Dinner will be included inside the hotel

Important things to note in your hotel

which elevators will take you to your room(some hotels have 2 different elevators to get to your room)

which floor is the ground floor to get to the haram

which floor is the lobby

which floor is breakfast and dinner served

Ziyarat and Daily Packing Guidlines

When leaving your hotel to go to Masjid Al-Nabawi, or Ziyarat (visiting historical sites) with your group, 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

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

Do I need to book a Rawda appointment?

We recommend you do book your own appointment on the Nusuk app(again ≠ nusuk hajj website) as not all operators/group leaders will facilitate entry into the Rawda. By booking it yourself and perhaps your tour guide getting you in as a group, you may have multiple opportunities to pray in this special place.

Check out our Rawda Essentials Page for details on how to book, when they become available, and timings for men and women.

Leaving Medinah to go to Mecca to begin your Hajj

If your packages starts off in Medinah, then a few days before Thul hijja 8, your group will take you to Mecca to preform the Umrah portion of your Hajj Tamatu'. Depending on your package it may be via bus or highspeed train, but the most important thing it is to STAY WITH YOUR GROUP

General Guidelines

If your stay begins in Mecca and your flight lands in Jeddah, you will need to be in a state of ihram PRIOR to landing(see listed courses for fiqh and details). we are assuming also most are doing Hajj Tamatu’ (again please see listed hajj courses to understand this). FOR MEN AS SOON AS YOU PUT YOUR IHRAM CLOTHING ON, APPLY A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF VASELINE(non scented of course) to your thighs/groin area to prevent severe pain from chafing. Don't be shy, and doing this here will prevent alot of pain and misery and most of your fellow hujjaj bretheren are doing the same anyways.

What to expect when landing

What to expect when landing in Jeddah Airport

Saudi Customs will scan your fingerprints and stamp your passport and make sure you have the required vaccines

As soon as you exit customs, another layer of security checks you passport to confirm you got your passport stamped

walk to baggage claim to pick up your bags where your operator SHOULD meet you and organize you into groups(or they may meet you after you exit the baggage claims area)

your operator will take you via bus to your hotels to check in, where you will have a short time to rest, wash up and begin your umrah

What to expect when arriving to your hotel

What to expect when arriving to the hotel

Checking into mecca hotel can take several hours, so be patient. don't ruin the spirit of your Hajj with impatience.

after checking in, your group leader will give you a short time to shower, and prepare for the Umrah portion and will meet a designated spot before going to Umrah

place your passport and other items you don’t want to lose in the lock box in your room,

after completing Umrah, you may have several days or even 1 night where your not in a state of ihram prior to starting the manasik of Hajj

Most packages will have Half Board regarding meals, meaning Breakfast AND Dinner will be included inside the hotel

Important things to note in your hotel

which elevators will take you to your room(some hotels have 2 different elevators to get to your room)

which floor is the ground floor to get to the haram

which floor is the lobby

which floor is breakfast and dinner served

Days Prior to the Manasik: Through Thul Hijja 7

Period Prior to Manasik (could be several days or even just 1 night) : through Thul Hijja 7

When leaving your hotel to visit the haram for the day, make sure to have pack your essentials

use any bag that you feel is comfortable, we recommend this cross body bag(or something similar. affordable, good quality, fits your slippers in separate compartment(but please place your slippers in a plastic bag before placing in your bag to kee the rest of your items clean), fits essential items, ease of access while carrying it, and not too bulky

Water bottle, packets of liquid IV

protein bars, snacks of your choice

money, credit cards

medication

printed dua books(see our Courses Essentials Page for printable PDFs)

phone, powerbank, cable cord

prayer mat(incase you end up praying on the tile)

sunglasses

Umbrella

Stay in close constant with your Group leader, they will host lecture and other activities during these days

What to carry

• When leaving your hotel to go to Masjid Al-Nabawi, or Ziyarat (visiting historical sites) with your group, 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
• 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

Departing to Mina from Mecca Hotels

Early morning on the 8th day of Thul Hijja, you will get into a state of ihram in your hotel in preparation to go to Mina camps via buses from your hote. Please ensure you follow your group leaders for specifics. (some groups may leave the day before for logistical reasons)

What Happens to our Luggage?

Depending on the package you selected, it will determine what you will do with your bags

Nonshifting: ok to keep you luggage in your hotel rooms as you will have access it during the days of hajj and when you complete your hajj. however access DURING the days of hajj are limited and not necessary, so still pack accordingly as if you dont have access to your hotel during the days of manasik

Shifting: you will not have access to your hotel so the next time you will see your baggage may either be in Medinah (if your package includes a Medinah stay after Mecca) or at the airport. SO MAKE SURE TO have your essential items with you(some operators though may actually have your luggage sent to Aziziyah location while you are there so its operator dependent)

Packing Recommendations

The days of manasik are 5 OR 6 days long(study the Courses Essentials Page to understand why)

So you will need to pack for this duration,

Packing Strategy to consider for the days of manasik Thul Hijja

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 Soap SHEETS

Fragrance Free Shaving Cream-for those who prefer to shave their own head

Fragrance Free Hand sanitizer

Fragrance Free Deodorant Options

-Arm & Hammer Deodorant

-Native Deodorant

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 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

-Anker with build in USB-C Cable 20KmAH This is a larger powerbank that also has a USB-C cable attached to it

-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!

Morning of Thul Hijja 9

Early morning of the 9th of thul hijja, at the direction of your group leader will leave Mina and go to Arafah the manasik train or bus.

PLEASE STICK WITH THE GROUP, DO NOT VENTURE, WALK OR DO ANYTHING ALONE

Preparing to Leave Mina to Arafah "What do i need to take with me"

You 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 have recommended. Rest of the items you can keep in Mina(unless stated otherwise by your group leader)

have an extra ihram for men, or pair of Islamically appropriate clothing for women

duaa books, pdfs(See Course Essentials Page)

small bag of toiletries(soap, toothbrush, toothpick/floss, deoderant) with over the door hook

umbrella

sunglasses

Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat https://amzn.to/46IJGL0

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 rest is very important, as a busy next day awaits you. this self inflating mat is compact and as big as a large waterbottle

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)

Arriving in Arafah

When you get to arafah camp site, there will be alot of walking to get to you actual Camp, pin that location on your maps in case you get lost

There will be cots that also turn into beds, if you get there before thuhur, PLEASE GET SOME REST, it will be a long day and you will need the energy to make dua

DO 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, about 30 min before maghrib when it cools down to continue making dua

Remain patient, and focused after your thuhur/asr prayer, its GAME TIME!

Leaving Muzadilfah and heading towards Jamarat

Either before or after Fajr depending on your situation(see listed course for details), you will be going back to mina camps, but you will be doing the jamarat FIRST before going back to your actual tent

Depending on your package, you will either leave muzdalifah to Mina/jamarat via train or bus

After you complete Day 1 of Jamarat you will go back to your tents, please follow your group leader for directions

Leaving Mina to Mecca to continue the Manasik of Hajj

some groups will be going to mecca to complete several other rituals(tawaf, sa’ee) and follow your group leaders instructions/package details regarding the Adahi/Udhiya and when to shave/trim

Udhiya/Adahi Resources

In case you opt out of nusuks udhiya program or they don’t give an option, or you genuinely don’t trust them for one reason or another

https://www.adahi.org/en/ Among other locations in the Haram area, if one enters the clock tower, there's an official place by the kingdom, on the ground floor where you can go and buy it as well. There are other locations as well.

https://makkahzabiha.com/pages/about-us The sacrifices are documented (pictures and videos) and all the meat is distributed to the poor residents in Makkah Al-Mukarramah

https://hajjsolutions.com/ (run by a local scholar)

https://qurbani.haramain.com/ (A local place where some locals do it on your behalf. I have used them for Hajj. They usually upload photos to Google drive for Hajj)

A few Hajj travel agents do their own sacrifices as well, so a person can check with them

Sheikh Hamza Walid Maqbul's launch good site- updated link will be available when posted

How long do people remain in Mina

Majority of the people will be in Mina through Thul hijja 12 and leave to the airport, Medinah or back to Mecca(for those with nonshifting hotel. Some may remain in mina through the 13th of Thul Hijja. Some may complete the rest of of their manasik throughout these days as well.

Packing Guidlines for walking to the Jamarat

During these days after thuhur, you will leave your Mina tents and go make Jamarat, stay with your group, as its very easy to get lost on the way back.

Majar Al-Kabsh-Camp A: Though the jamarat is only 300meters from your camp, the entire process of Jamarat can take 1 hour from start to finish

Mua'sim-Camp C: Being 3Km away, it cant take 1 hour walking on the way there and another hour to complete the jamarat, expect the entire trip to take 2.5-3 hours from start to finish

when you leave to make jamarat, cross body bag or book bag would be helpful to carry

your stones(21 on each of these days, but take a few extra in case you miscount or lose some)

water bottles with hydration packets(liquid IV)

dua books

sunglasses

umbrella

snacks if walking from a far camp

any necessary medication

Shifting vs Non Shifting Differences

During these days and leaving Mina

non shifting packages will have dedicated times to go back to their mecca hotels and come back later in the days. at the completion of your mina days, you will go back to your mecca hotel via bus

shifting or azaziyah only packages will have opportunity to relax and shower in your azizyyah locations. at the completion of your mina days, you will go to the airport or medina.

What to carry

• During these days after thuhur, you will leave your Mina tents and go make Jamarat, stay with your group, as its very easy to get lost on the way back.
• Majar Al-Kabsh-Camp A: Though the jamarat is only 300meters from your camp, the entire process of Jamarat can take 1 hour from start to finish
• Mua'sim-Camp C: Being 3Km away, it cant take 1 hour walking on the way there and another hour to complete the jamarat, expect the entire trip to take 2.5-3 hours from start to finish
• when you leave to make jamarat, cross body bag or book bag would be helpful to carry

How long do people remain in Mina

Majority of the people will be in Mina through Thul hijja 12 and leave to the airport, Medinah or back to Mecca(for those with nonshifting hotel. Some may remain in mina through the 13th of Thul Hijja. Some may complete the rest of of their manasik throughout these days as well.

Shifting vs Non Shifting Differences (leaving Mina)

During these days and leaving Mina

non shifting packages will have dedicated times to go back to their mecca hotels and come back later in the days. at the completion of your mina days, you will go back to your mecca hotel via bus

shifting or azaziyah only packages will have opportunity to relax and shower in your azizyyah locations. at the completion of your mina days, you will go to the airport or medina.

Zamzam and Zam Zam Friendly Airlines

Check out our Zamzam Essentials Page

for all the details

Zamzam is picked up outside the airports of Medina or Jeddah

1 5L bottle of Zamzam per Passport

Be prepared to show your Umrah Certificate found on your Nusuk App that comes after you book a umrah appointment

Cost of zamzam is fluctuates, but no more than a few dollars USD

ZamZam Friendly Domestic Airlines

United Airlines: free zamzam check in as they deem it “holy water”

Jetblue: free zamzam check in as they deem it “holy water”

American Airlines: there is a non public policy that this is free since its considered holy water, usually the supervisors are aware of this policy. so kindly ask the front desk to talk to them. otherwise it there will be a check in fee

Southwest Airlines will charge a full checked bag fee for zamza

Delta will charge a full checked bag fee for zamzam

Check out our video picking up our zamzam bottles outside Jeddah Airport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwsYvHP7qQ0

What to carry

• 1 5L bottle of Zamzam per Passport
• Be prepared to show your Umrah Certificate found on your Nusuk App