7 things you must check in the backpack before leaving for Umrah

Umrah is one of the most wonderful journeys in the world. It is a journey that refreshes your mind and soul. It reminds you of the real purpose of coming to this world. You leave behind all the worldly objectives and worries to submit yourself completely to Allah, your Creator. Before leaving for Umrah, you must ensure you pack all the important supplies. Preparing for such a sacred journey is overwhelming. Seeking advice from friends and family members who have performed Umrah also helps in packing. While you must keep all the important stuff, it is also necessary not to overload.

Here is a list of Umrah essentials you must pack before leaving for Umrah.

1. Documents file: –

Traveling after covid is not the same as before. Umrah is no different. Choose an experienced and certified tour company that knows well about the necessary documents before leaving for Umrah.

Here are some of the important documents you must carry: –

• vaccination certificate
• ID card
• Airline ticket
• Bank receipts and payment vouchers such as hotel booking, transfers, and Umrah packages payment
• Photographs
• In the case of women, a relationship certificate.

2. Clothes and accessories: –

Apart from keeping an extra set of Umrah clothes called the Ihraam, you need to keep sufficient suitable clothes before leaving for Umrah. The weather is generally hot and humid in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah checklist for ladies includes the following: –

• Comfortable clothes
• Scarves, abaya, and abaya cap
• Hair clips and bands
• Sanitary pads and other personal care essentials

Similarly, men must also keep 4-5 sets of comfortable clothes, Ihraam, and nightwear.

3. Personal protective essentials: –

Umrah essentials now include personal protective equipment. Adherence to these safety measures is important to promote community health and protect against spreading the virus. You must keep an adequate amount of face masks, hand sanitiser, gloves, and disinfectant wipes.

4. Islamic kit: –

Before leaving for Umrah, you must gain comprehensive knowledge about the various steps of Umrah. Many books and publications teach how to prepare for Umrah. Also, learn the important duas and recitations. However, it is always preferable to keep Islamic booklets and pamphlets in your backpack. Many people also ask those performing Umrah to make supplications on their behalf. Write those duas and names in a small diary and keep them in your luggage. Islamic supplements on Umrah Sunnah, how to make the most out of the Umrah trip, and other such beneficial information shall help you immensely on your trip.

5. Medicine box: –

Umrah is not just spiritual worship, it is physically exhausting worship. People experience body aches after performing tawaf. To keep up their energy level, it is important to carry important medicines. Pain killers, balm, and rehydration solutions are very useful. Also, many people catch a cold and flu during Umrah. Anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory drugs help ensure you do not fall sick on such an important trip.

6. Electronic gadgets: –

Electronic gadgets have become an important part of life. A smartphone is very useful, especially on a trip like Hajj or Umrah, where there is a chance that you may lose track of your group. A smartwatch is also a good option to stay in touch. Also, it helps in navigation. A charger, adapter, power bank, and tablet are some important electronic gadgets to keep in luggage before leaving for Umrah. Earphones or handsfree are also very important not to disturb others while you are using your phone.

7. Self-care and toiletries: –

It is good to keep all the toiletries and self-care stuff when you are leaving for Umrah. However, you must keep a compact size of the things such as a small shampoo bottle, face wash, toothbrush, and toothpaste. A small towel, hairbrush, nail clipper, scissors, shaver for men, and miswaak are some of the important things to keep. A water bottle is also useful to make sure you have water with you when you are performing tawaf. Make sure you keep unscented soap, shampoo, face wash, and any other stuff.  Many people combine their Umrah trip with a visit to any other Middle Eastern country. You may ask your tour company if you can get an Istanbul visit or Dubai trip with your Umrah package. In that case, you will have to pack accordingly before leaving for Umrah.