Must-haves for the Hajj: From protective sun hats to convenient shoe pouches, a resourceful guide for Muslim pilgrims

51

The essentials for the Hajj journey often include straw hats, sling bags, and foldable chairs, among other items, forming the basic gear that Muslims bring to their pilgrimage.

The Hajj, a five-day spiritual journey, profoundly inspires the faithful, bringing them nearer to God and strengthening their connection to the global Muslim community.

Despite its spiritual significance, it poses a formidable physical challenge. Pilgrims endure long hours walking outdoors under the scorching sun, circumnavigating holy places in Mecca and its nearby deserts. They find themselves amidst vast, often overwhelming crowds, all seeking the same destination. The presence of barriers directing human traffic means that a single wrong turn could result in hours of extra walking to reach their intended location.

Hence, the over 2 million pilgrims not only study the complex rules for correctly performing the rituals that kick off on Monday but also gather useful tips and survival strategies from experienced hajjis – as those who have completed the pilgrimage are known.

Here’s an overview of what they consider indispensable gear.

ATTIRE SUGGESTIONS

Given that daytime temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), dressing for the heat is crucial. Most rituals, like ascending the Mount of Mercy and stoning the Jamarat, symbolic pillars representing the devil, happen outdoors in the desert.

Sun hats are indispensable. Pilgrims frequently choose wide-brimmed straw hats or even cowboy hats for protection. Colorful umbrellas are a common sight. Some pilgrims balance their prayer mats or umbrella canopies on their heads for shade.

Men are mandated to wear simple, stitchless white robes to symbolize equality among the rich and poor. Women, while required to cover their hair and forgo beauty products, are allowed to don fabrics from their native countries, showcasing Islam’s multicultural diversity.

Footwear should ideally be durable for long walks but also easy to remove, as shoes must be taken off before entering the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Sandals are a practical choice, though some pilgrims recommend wearing socks, as the marble floor of the mosque can feel unexpectedly chilly during the seven rounds around the Kaaba.

ITEMS TO CARRY

A daypack is a necessity for carrying food, water, sunscreen, and other essentials. However, backpacks may prove inconvenient in tightly packed crowds.

Sling bags, which can be accessed without turning around, are the more favored option.

Many pilgrims also bring along a separate shoe pouch or drawstring bag. Although shoes can usually be left with an attendant at mosque entrances, doing so at the Grand Mosque, teeming with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, might result in lost shoes or time wasted retrieving them. This would also restrict you to exiting the same way you entered, which may not always be possible due to crowd movement.

Umaima Hafez, an experienced hajjah from Egypt, is an expert packer.

She neatly stows a blanket, homemade granola and crackers, a damp travel towel for cooling off, an extra-thick prayer mat, some medications, and a foldable stool in her large pack. She carries this throughout the Hajj and leaves it behind afterward for someone else to use.

In contrast, Ali Ibn Mousa, a 30-year-old Russian and father of seven, prioritizes speed and maneuverability and thus packs light.

His drawstring bag contains only his phone and his pilgrim ID. His focus is more on what he’ll bring back from the Hajj, not only spiritually but also in the form of a potential second wife.

ESSENTIALS FOR CAMPOUTS

The massive wave of pilgrims oscillate between various holy sites, spanning more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Grand Mosque to the Mount of Mercy or Mount Arafat, located in the desert. Even within a single ritual site, like Mina, where pilgrims stay in one of the world’s largest tent camps and stone the devil-representing pillars, the journey from one end to another could consume the better part of a day.

Pilgrims must be ready for long periods outdoors, waiting for transportation or for a crowd to disperse, sometimes in the dead of night.

Ikram Mohammed’s supermarket in Mecca offers camping necessities such as lightweight tents, sleeping mats, and foldable water pouches.

“Pilgrims buy dried fruit, nuts, biscuits, chips – anything easy to consume on the move that doesn’t require refrigeration or utensils,” says Mohammed. He also offers fragrance-free toiletries to comply with the prohibition on perfumes and souvenirs like sweets, chocolates, and water from the sacred Zamzam well near the Kaaba for pilgrims to take home.

One frequently purchased item: Pain relief cream for sore joints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hajj Essentials

More about Hajj Essentials

• Hajj: The Islamic Pilgrimage
• How to Perform Hajj: A Comprehensive Guide
• Tips for Hajj Pilgrims
• Attire Guide for Hajj Pilgrimage
• Packing List for Hajj