Umrah Essentials : A Complete Umrah Checklist For First-Time Pilgrims

Going on an Umrah pilgrimage is an important event in a Muslim’s life. It is a journey of spiritual renewal and cleansing. For first-time Umrah pilgrims, it can be overwhelming to know what to bring and what to expect. This guide will cover all the essentials you need for a successful and comfortable Umrah trip.

Umrah Checklist: Essential Items for a Successful Pilgrimage

Travel Documents: Keep them on top while packing essentials for Umrah

Before you leave for your trip, make sure to have all your travel documents organized and packed. This includes your passport, visa, and any other necessary documents. Keep them in a safe place, such as a money belt, to ensure they are easily accessible when needed.

1. Passport and its photocopies
2. Visa
3. Flight tickets
4. Vaccination certificates
5. Hotel booking confirmation copies
6. Receipts of payments made for Umrah
7. Passport size photographs
8. Relationship certificate (in case, you are traveling with your spouse)
9. Saudi Riyals
10. Debit/Credit card
11. Travel itinerary
12. Emergency contact numbers
13. SHC Immunization Card
14. Printed/written important phone numbers/addresses

2.Prayer Essentials for Umrah: Clothes & Footwear for Key Rituals

For the key rituals of Umrah, you will need to wear white Ihram garments, which are simple and unstitched clothing. You will also need to bring comfortable footwear, as you will be walking and standing a lot during the pilgrimage.

• Five to ten light and breathable hijabs
• Hijab undercaps
• Cotton Kameez Salwars (3 pieces)
• Thobe/Jubba with capri style underwear
• Underwear and undershirts (loose)
• Socks
• Slips or light clothing for wearing under abaya
• Light pyjamas
• Ihram

3.Clothing and Accessories: Pick them based on travel time & weather

When packing clothing and accessories, it is important to consider the weather and travel time. Bring appropriate clothing for the temperature and weather conditions at your destination. You may also want to bring a scarf, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Clothing:

• Five to ten light and breathable hijabs
• Hijab undercaps
• Cotton Kameez Salwars (3 pieces)
• Thobe/Jubba with capri style underwear
• Underwear and undershirts (loose)
• Socks
• Slips or light clothing for wearing under abaya
• Light pyjamas
• lightweight sweaters

Accessories:

• Baend for safekeeping money
• Cotton socks
• Sunglasses and handkerchiefs
• Anti-slip chappals (2-4)
• Anti-slip bathroom chappal
• Hijab pins
• Hair accessories
• Blister patches

4.Basic First-Aid Kit: Just in case

It’s always a good idea to bring a basic first-aid kit, especially for a long trip. Pack pain relievers, bandages, and any other medication you may need.

• Prescribed medicine for 50 days along with prescriptions
• Copy of medical history
• Moov/muscle relaxant cream
• Anti-rashes cream
• Pain Killers
• Basic medicines (Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, cough syrup, Immodium),

5.Self-Care Essentials: Everyday items for the Umrah journey

Remember to pack your daily essentials, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and a towel. You may also want to bring a water bottle and a small snack for energy.

• Comb, small mirror,
• bath towel,
• face towel,
• moisturizing and sunscreen cream,
• Vaseline or antibacterial talc,
• shaving machines and blades,
• Surma, etc.

5.1Bags and travel utility items:

• Sling bag for general use,
• lightweight suitcases with wheels and lock

6.Electronics: A few gadgets that you will need on the go

If you plan to bring electronics, such as a phone, camera, or tablet, make sure to pack them safely and securely. Consider bringing a backup battery or charging device to ensure you have enough power for the trip.

• Smartphone
• Earphones
• Mobile Charger
• Flat to Round Adapter (3 Pin) V 1.0
• Power Bank

Other things to remember for Umrah:

• Develop a deep understanding and respect for Prophet Muhammad (s) and his mission for mankind.
• Cultivate humility and patience as you embark on this spiritual journey.
• Be respectful and considerate of others, do not litter or make loud noises in public areas, and avoid imposing your opinions on others. Everyone is considered a VIP in Allah’s house.
• Be kind and gentle towards others, especially your Hajj group leader and staff. Use please and be patient in all your interactions.
• Reduce your expectations, as situations may arise beyond the control of your tour operator.
• Prepare for potential delays during your travels in Saudi Arabia and remain patient.
• Perform 2 rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah (repentance of past bad deeds) and focus on doing good deeds throughout your journey.
• Follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and be regular in your five daily prayers.
• Read the Quran with understanding and practice its teachings sincerely.
• Interact with people from different backgrounds with respect, avoiding meaningless arguments and quarrels. Seek forgiveness if you hurt or offend anyone.
• If you have any concerns, express them through a detailed letter to your tour operator, making suggestions for improvement.

Your Activities in Makkah: A Guide

After settling into your rooms and freshening up, it’s time to begin your Umrah. Your group leader or accompanying religious scholar will give you a detailed explanation on how to perform the rituals.

You will then be led to the Masjid Al-Haram, where you will stop and make takbir upon seeing the Ka’aba for the first time.

Next, complete one tawaf of Umrah, including Idtibah, Ramal, and Sa’ee. Men will then proceed to a barbershop near the doors of Marwah to cut their hair, while the women wait nearby.

Afterwards, you will go back to your hotel room and assist in cutting the hair of the women (about 1 inch in length).

Following this, you can change out of your Ihram attire and take a shower. At this point, your Umrah is complete.

During your stay in Makkah, be sure to:

• Attend all five daily prayers in the Haram
• Perform as many nafil tawafs as you’d like
• Consider doing extra Umrahs if you wish
• Consult with your religious scholar for any religious questions or concerns

Umrah Essentials FAQs

What things are needed for Umrah?

The essential items for Umrah include white Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, travel documents, a basic first-aid kit, self-care essentials, and electronics.

What do you wear for Umrah?

For the key rituals of Umrah, you will need to wear white Ihram garments. These are simple and unstitched clothing. You should also bring comfortable footwear, as you will be walking and standing a lot during the pilgrimage.

What is the process of Umrah?

The process of Umrah involves several steps, including entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa).

How many days does it take to do Umrah?

The length of time it takes to do Umrah depends on your schedule and plans. Some people choose to complete the pilgrimage in a day or two, while others spend several days or even weeks in the holy city of Makkah.