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Straw hats, cross-body bags, and collapsible chairs—these are just some of the essentials Muslims bring to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Spiritually, the five-day Hajj is awe-inspiring for the faithful, an experience they say brings them closer to God and to the entire Muslim world.
Physically, it’s grueling. Pilgrims walk outdoors for hours in broiling heat around holy sites in Mecca and the surrounding desert. They are caught in unimaginable and overwhelming crowds, all trying to get to the same place. Barriers directing the traffic mean that if you miss your turn, you might walk hours more to get where you want to be.
So the more than 2 million pilgrims don’t just learn the complicated rules of how to properly perform the rituals, which began Monday. They also pick up helpful hints and tricks of the trade to get by, learned from other hajjis—aas those who have completed the pilgrimage are known.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for the scorching heat of the desert during the Hajj pilgrimage, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Sun hats, especially wide-brimmed straw or cowboy hats, are essential, while umbrellas of various colors provide shade. Men wear simple white robes, while women cover their hair and wear culturally diverse fabrics. For footwear, durable slip-on sandals are recommended, and some pilgrims advise wearing socks to combat the cold marble floors of Mecca's Grand Mosque.
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WHAT TO CARRY
Cross-body bags are favored over backpacks during the Hajj pilgrimage for easy access. Pilgrims also carry separate drawstring bags for their shoes, as leaving them unattended at crowded mosques can lead to loss or inconvenience. Some experienced pilgrims, like Umaima Hafez from Egypt, pack essential items such as a blanket, homemade snacks, a travel towel, a thick prayer mat, and medications. Hassan Hussain, a first-time pilgrim, advises overpacking for unforeseen needs, while Ali Ibn Mousa prefers a light drawstring bag for maneuverability during the spiritual journey.
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CAMPOUT CHECKLIST
During the Hajj pilgrimage, pilgrims often find themselves traversing long distances between holy sites, enduring wait times and crowded conditions. To prepare for these challenges, Ikram Mohammed's supermarket in Mecca offers essential camping gear like lightweight tents, sleeping mats, and collapsible water pouches. Additionally, the store sells convenient food items like dried fruit, nuts, biscuits, and chips that require no refrigeration or utensils. Fragrance-free toiletries are also available, and souvenirs including chocolates, sweets, and water from the sacred Zamzam well are popular among pilgrims. Pain relief cream for achy joints is another sought-after item._APnews
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