RIYADH: As the Hajj season reaches its peak, the focus for pilgrims shifts from packing to presence, and finding the balance between traveling light and carrying essential medical and practical supplies.
“One of the biggest mistakes pilgrims make is overpacking. Most experienced pilgrims recommend traveling as light as possible so you can move comfortably, focus on worship and avoid unnecessary stress during the journey,” Iftekhar Hossain, founder of Umrah Companion, told Arab News.
The Umrah Companion app provides guidance through every major stage of Umrah and Hajj. Developed over seven months with insights from veteran pilgrims and religious scholars, it serves as a pocket-sized mentor to help travelers maximize their time in Makkah and Madinah.
Once in Ihram, it offers step-by-step guidance through the critical steps, including Tawaf, with built-in counters, guidance and recommendations for all seven circuits. For Sa’i, the application also provides tracking, duas and key reminders.
Despite having no coding experience, Hossain used modern AI tools to bring the project to life, driven by a passion for helping others get the most out of their Umrah and Hajj experience.
Every guide within the app includes references throughout, alongside Arabic text, transliteration, and English translations where relevant. There is also an option to keep track of dua requests from loved ones.
Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the Kingdom for Hajj, making it more important than ever to pack light while including all the essentials.
Hossain said key items for the holy sites were “scented products during Ihram, including perfume, scented wipes, deodorant, and lotions.” He warned against new or uncomfortable footwear that might cause blisters, making Tawaf and walking difficult, and discouraged pilgrims from carrying “excess cash, expensive jewelry, or valuables you don’t truly need.”
He also advised against large backpacks or bulky bags, and recommended packing light when it came to clothing. “Most pilgrims overpack and regret it,” he said, while stressing the importance of bringing necessary medication for the Hajj journey.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, in partnership with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, has published a guide on how to pack and store medication in accordance authority regulations.
The authority recommends keeping medication in its original packaging and ensuring it is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Water is recommended as the primary liquid for taking medications, and using those belonging to other pilgrims or patients is strictly prohibited.
Essential medication should not be packed in checked luggage. The authority also recommends that pilgrims carry a certified medical report at all times in both Arabic and English, and prescription medication should be taken until the course is completed.
