A Checklist to Packing Essentials: Must for First-time Umrah Pilgrims
The Pilgrim of Umrah is one of the most sacred and holiest aspects of the entire Muslim Religion. In this pilgrimage, Muslims from all over the world visit Mecca located in Saudi Arabia to perform the rituals of Tawaf and Sa’i. Venturing on this pilgrimage is believed to strengthen one's connection to Allah. It is important to check the packing list for first-time Umrah Pilgrimage.
Due to the length of the journey you will be undertaking, proper preparation is very important to ensure that the pilgrimage remains a holistic and fulfilling experience especially, if you are a first-time Umrah pilgrim. So, let's see the packing checklist for first-time Umrah pilgrims and how you can properly prepare yourself for the journey.
Significance of Umrah in Muslim Culture
Before we move on to the checklist, let's first look at the significance of the Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah is a pilgrimage where the people of the Muslim community get the opportunity to strengthen the faith, bonds, and identity of their culture.
It allows all the pilgrims a moment of introspection and spiritual renewal which allows them to seek forgiveness and strengthen their knowledge about the teachings of Islam. The ultimate goal for every Muslim when going on a Umrah pilgrimage is to strengthen their bonds with Allah.
While it is an optional pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any point of time in the year, in some schools of thought, it is mandatory to go on this pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage also plays a crucial role in the economy of Saudi Arabia as well since it supports the hospitality and transport industry of the country. Being a host of this holy pilgrimage is considered a huge honor for the country.
Umrah Packing List for First-Time Pilgrims
Now that we have an understanding of the significance of the Umrah pilgrimage, let's move on to the things that will be necessary for this trip. The things needed will suffice as both respectable for the pilgrim as well as, support the travel in Saudi Arabia's hot climate.
List of items needed for Women
For Muslim women undergoing the Umrah pilgrimage, here is a list of items that are needed for the journey:
Abaya
The best attire a Muslim woman can wear during the Umrah pilgrimage is an Abaya. An Abaya is a large dress that covers the entire body and is a loose-fit option of clothing. This helps to hide the features of a woman's body and give it a modest look which is necessary during the Umrah pilgrimage.
The loose fitting also helps to deal with the hot temperatures of Saudi Arabia. When choosing the Abaya for the Umrah pilgrimage, look for Abayas made of breathable fabric to deal with the heat.
Remember to pack more than one Abaya in cases where your abaya gets damaged, torn, or dirty. Also, pack some loose trousers and modest tops to support your look. If you wish for a more specific religious attire then an Ihram outfit is your ideal choice but it is not mandatory to wear it.
Hijabs
A Hijab or a headscarf is used to cover the hair during the pilgrimage. Most women in these scenarios prefer either a black or white-colored hijab.
Footwear
The Umrah pilgrimage includes a lot of walking for several hours, so make sure to pack footwear that is easy to remove and wear but also that can support long walks. Footwear such as sandals and slip-in shoes are ideal for this pilgrim but closed shoes can also be worn to protect your feet from the heat and sand.
List of items needed for Men
For men who are planning to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage, the below-mentioned items will be required for the journey.
Ihram
The most appropriate outfit for men during the Umrah pilgrimage is the outfit of Ihram. This outfit is 2 garments usually made of white color and unstitched called Rida and Izar. If you choose to wear this outfit, then we suggest you pack more than one set of these to cover situations where you need a replacement.
Also, go for a piece that is made from lightweight and breathable fabrics to handle the high temperatures of Saudi Arabia. If you don't wish to wear this outfit all the time, then you should pack some loose-fit clothes like Saudi thobe, Jubbah, or lightweight shirts and trousers in general.
Footwear
Due to the long walks that you will have to do during the pilgrimage, footwear that is comfortable for long-distance walking and easy to remove and wear is ideal. Consider sandals or walking shoes if you want extra protection for your heat.
Travel Documents
Moving on from gender-specific things that you would need to pack, the other important thing that first-time pilgrims must take care of is all the necessary travel documents that they will need in order to travel without any hassles. The necessary travel documents that you will need to keep with you are mentioned below:
Umrah Visa
An Umrah visa is a special kind of visa that is required to allow entry into Saudi Arabia for the purpose of the Umrah Pilgrimage only. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date on which you wish to travel to Saudi Arabia and also carry it along with your Umrah Visa.
Tickets
Remember to keep your flight tickets in a safe place where you will remember where they are and where no damage is caused to them. To be safe, keep both a physical and digital copy on your mobile device.
Vaccination Certificates
Saudi Arabia has several vaccinations that you must get before you are granted entrance into the country. So, get the necessary vaccinations and keep these certificates with you when you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Itinerary Booking Confirmations
Saudi Arabia is a hotspot for tourists all across the globe, so it is highly advised that you book your itineraries beforehand to avoid the problem of not being able to find a place to rest. Once you make all your reservations, don't forget to bring a copy of the reservation with you.
Your spiritual journey is waiting!
The Umrah pilgrimage is a very important part of both the Muslim culture and Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage is a means for achieving a greater bond with Allah and learning all the teachings of the Islamic culture. It brings Muslims from a variety of backgrounds and countries from across the globe and invigorates faith, unity, and identity in every Muslim present.
Umrah is not a mandatory pilgrimage in every school of Islam but it is still highly recommended that every Muslim undergo it at least once in their lives. This journey can be undertaken at any point of time in the year but requires a lot of thoughtful preparations to prevent hassles and ensure that it is a fulfilling experience.
Key points to remember during your trip to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimage are to pack loose clothing and pack more than one set of the said clothes. If you wish to embark on this pilgrimage, then research online the requirements for an Umrah e-visa to Saudi Arabia and the other places that you can visit during your pilgrimage on the internet.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. Japanese citizens, Singaporean citizens, Slovak citizens, Turkish citizens and Thai citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.