Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to the home of Allah SWT. It is a worship which can be scheduled at any time, but Hajj can’t be scheduled at any time. Umrah is a short pilgrimage. Although it’s not obligatory, your soul would want to do that. Umrah Preparations can be overwhelming and confusing. For an easy and comfortable trip, it’s very important to pack the required and proper things.
Umrah: Packing, Etiquette & Travel Tips
Umrah travel can be very exciting as we can’t wait to feel as holy as it cleanses us and the honour of re-faith. For many Muslims from the USA, this preparation often begins with exploring reliable Umrah packages from the USA, which help simplify travel plans and make the experience more comfortable. But it is necessary to plan well in advance for such a long trip to make your travel smooth and achieve the maximum gains; otherwise, it becomes time-consuming. A few of the tips to remember before proceeding to Umrah are mentioned below.
Your Travel Documents
Keep handy beforehand all your documents for travel, i.e., passport, visa, identity cards, air ticket, inoculation certificates, hotel reservation confirmation slip, passport-size photographs, relationship certificate (if travelling with wife on an Umrah tour), tour program, and telephone numbers. All USA Muslim travellers would appreciate it if only it were on their side to purchase the Umrah travel services of a professional Umrah travel agency, so that they will have such an organisation in mind. Store all your documents in a secure area where you can access them conveniently.
Al Ihram
Another extremely vital thing which you will desire to take along with you is the Ihram. Have two Ihrams with you as an added precautionary measure in the event that one of them is lost or torn. Wear loose and light clothing as your cover, which you will put on when travelling by air for Umrah. Most Muslims all over the USA do so because it makes them feel comfortable and ready for the long flights and tiring days of Umrah.
Clothing Needs
Adults: Loose, comfortable frocks. For the weather in Makkah and Madinah. To holy places, so, shoulder and knee-length frocks. Carry enough underclothes, built-up socks, and night clothes depending on the duration of stay.
- Abayas (loose black)
- Hijabs (headcovers)
- Niqabs
- Underclothes
- Socks
Shoes
Purchase a soft, rough pair of slippers or sandals that are easy to take on and off because you will be removing your shoes very frequently while praying and going to mosques. Make sure also that unstitched shoes to be worn for Tawaf and Sa’i are laceless. USA Muslims, they are not therefore agitated with the necessity of having to cover a long distance in order to travel to Umrah, i.e., walking shoes and light ablution sandals for hotel use that make their pilgrimage less exhausting.
- Walking shoes
- Light ablution sandals for hotel use
Personal hygiene products
Carry a toilet kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a towel in clean condition. Store odourless items so that things do not get spoiled.
- Odourless wet wipes
- Hand Sanitiser without scent
- Odourless tissue paper
- Mini towel
Medicines and First Aid Kit
Keep enough stock of any medicine your doctor prescribes during your travel duration. Or keep at least a first aid kit with band-aids, painkillers, and other medicines.
- Prescribed medicines (enough amount)
- Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers)
Money and travelling accessories
Enough amount of money (Saudi Riyals) and where to keep your money. Convenient to carry a small wallet or pouch with money when you can to keep your valuables like your phone, wallet, and passport.
- Money pouch or neck wallet
- Cash (Saudi Riyals)
- Passport
- Visas
- Copies of important documents
Prayer Mat and travel-sized Quran
Say your daily prayer on a travel prayer mat. Or store a mobile Quran or a mini Qur’an in your mobile phone to read and contemplate during the trip. It would be fitting for most Americans to bring a travel prayer mat and a mobile Quran so that they are being submissive to their faith as they drive to remote locations to fulfil Umrah.
- Prayer mat
- Miniature Portable Qur’an
- Tasbih (prayer beads)
- A mini pouch or bag will keep prayer essentials all in one place
Electronic devices and gadgets
Keep simple electronics such as your cell phone and batteries. Pack a universal adapter when travelling abroad so that power outlets are made available to utilise in the foreign country.
- Cell phone and charger
- Travel adapter (if required)
- Power bank
Insulated refillable water bottle and snack
Bring some snack bars or energy bars to be snuck on while walking long distances or waiting at airports. Bring a refillable water bottle along as a carry item.
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat or umbrella (if the weather allows)
- Snacks (for a long walk)
- Reusable water bottle
- Plastic bags to store wet clothes or wet items
- Small Waste Bags
- Important phone numbers (embassy, hotel, travel agent)
Conclusion
You should pack all your Umrah necessities with utmost care and precaution. When you have a proper checklist of what essentials to pack, you get a chance to properly focus on the spiritual aspect of this journey. This is especially a plus point for USA Muslims who travel long journeys to perform this ritual. This journey is not just about what you are aching. It’s about your sincere intention towards this ritual. May Allah bless us with His blessings and we find peace in this journey, Ameen.