Packing Essentials

Packing with Purpose: Essentials for Every Step of Your Journey!

Ihram Related Gear

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing white ihram clothing, standing at the Kaaba during Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with a background of other pilgrims and high-rise buildings.

  • Check out our Premium Muslin Cotton Ihram HERE

    It comes w/ the top piece (Rida’) and Izar (bottom piece). This is an Excellent Turkish Quality Ihram made with Muslin Cotton, made in Türkiye

    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, ok to pack your ihram in your check in luggage as you wont need it on arrival

  • 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

  • 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.

    Other sandals people have liked are Oofos Sandals

    Regardless of the sandals you choose, make sure to break them in and wear them at least 1 week ahead of your journey to prevent blisters.

    We also recommending adding some highlight tape on the tape to distinguish your sandals from others especially in Mina/Arafat Camps as they will all look similiar

  • 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

  • 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

    -Native Unscented Bodywash

    -Fragrance Free Soap SHEETS: really neat way to stay clean, without the mess and in compact way!

  • 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

  • Fragrance Free Hand Sanitizer is extraordinarily rate to find, but at Mabroor Essentials..we got you!

  • Choose from these Fragrance Free Deodorants

    -Arm & Hammer Deodorant

    -Native Deodorant

  • 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.

    Though Vaseline has been the gold standard, its messy and bulky. Others have tried anti chaffing sticks for convenience and efficasy

    Body Glide : Mufti Abdurahman Mangera has used this one

    Squirrel Nut: Choose Original for Unscented version

    Place this tub in ITS OWN PLASTIC BAG so it doesn’t cause a mess anywhere else. 

Water Bottles/Hydration/Sun Protection

Multiple white beverage dispensers arranged in a row on a counter, with some white disposable cups and cups holders in front of them, placed on a tiled floor, and a patterned rug and people sitting in the background.

  • 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

  • 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

    Now you can say, dont the service providers offer umbrellas. They do, but when the offer it is unclear and typically they arent with the UV feature either

  • We recommend getting these from Mecca/Medina to lighten the load while travelling. Bin Dawood has plenty of options to choose from.

  • Choose any of your likening, we recommend that they are polarized for optimal protection

Power Banks/Cords/Adaptors

Electrical components including a white power plug, a black plug adapter, a white socket, and a black circular device on a gray wooden surface.

  • 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

  • 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, power bank 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

Three suitcases with green luggage tags arranged in front of a person sitting at a desk in an airport.

  • 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

  • Tagging your luggage or even your kids is even more essential these days with Apple Air Tags

  • 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

People walking outside the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque with green dome and minarets in the background, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

  • 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. Either color tape your sandals or get unique colored ones to make them easy to distinguish

    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 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

A black Skyper backpack with yellow zipper and multiple compartments, placed on an ornate green, blue, and beige patterned carpet in an ornately decorated indoor space.

  • 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 already 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.

  • 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(water bottle, power bank, umbrella, sunglasses phone, money, etc), ease of access remains in front of you while carrying it, and its not bulky.

    You can choose the smaller version if you dont intend to put your slippers in there and it will be sufficient for your daily walks to the haram or during Jamarat

  • Check out this DrawString Bag.

    Our General recommendation is that they aren’t 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 your BookBag or Suitcase.

    Alternative, you can just use the Nusuk issued bookbag to store your items in mina as well(but make sure to mark it clearly with neon colored tape as they ALL look the same)

Packing Guide for the days of Hajj

Travel essentials including a black travel bag, a blue towel, toiletries, hand sanitizer, and a first aid kit on a white bed.

  • 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

      1. Extra ihram for men in case one gets soiled. Women should pack their islamically appropriate clothing 

      2. 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).

      3. Medications

      4. Duaa books, pdfs: See our Courses Essential for Resources

      5. Toothbrush/Miswaak, Toothpick/Floss

      6. Snacks if need be, but breakfast, lunch, dinner is served in the camps

      7. Over The Door Hooks-to hang ihram on doors while changing, showering, etc especially in the bathrooms o mina and arafah

      8. Best/Most Comfortable Flip Flopsfor men during state of ihram(see fiqh courses for why women dont need any particular footwear)

      9. 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

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

      11. Fragrance Free Hand sanitizer

      12. Fragrance Free Deodorant Options

        -Arm & Hammer Deodorant

        -Native Deodorant

      13. 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. 

      14. Extra plastic bags for dirty items, laundry etc

      15. 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. 

    1. 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!

  • 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

Large open mosque courtyard with multiple beige umbrellas overhead, supported by decorated columns, and several people walking across the marble floor.

  • 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

    1. Water bottle, packets of liquid IV

    2. protein bars, snacks of your choice

    3. money, credit cards

    4. medication

    5. printed dua books(see listed  courses for printable PDFs)

    6. phone, powerbank, cable cord

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

    8. umbrella

    9. sunglasses

  • Item description

DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!

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DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you! |

Important Note: Under no circumstances do you NEED to buy EVERY single item on this list. Some are considered Essentials, others are considered Highly Recommended and some are mainly a convenience, depending on your travel experience, and personal preference. Some items you can also get at Bin Dawood, so you dont need to carry it during your flight