Hajj essentials for female pilgrims

Skechers has developed a line of shoes that are specifically tailored to the requirements of pilgrims undertaking Hajj pilgrimage, to ensure maximum comfort. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 June 2024
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Hajj essentials for female pilgrims

  • Compiled with the help of an experienced Hajj guide, this list will cover your needs

RIYADH: Packing a travel bag for Hajj pilgrimage is unlike packing for any other trip, particularly since opportunities for obtaining supplies during Hajj are scarce.

Arab News has compiled a list of essentials for women who will be embarking on the spiritual yet physically taxing journey in the coming days.

A prayer guide and mat are essentials, and this list was compiled by expert mutawwif — a guide appointed by the Ministry of Hajj who is responsible for overseeing the needs and well-being of pilgrims — Bakur Hemdi, who shared his tips for female pilgrims with Arab News.

Hemdi, who has over 11 years of experience of working during Hajj, said: “I’ve noticed that women (workers) have participated in Hajj more in recent years. If you need assistance, you can always find a female worker to assist you during the Hajj.”

Clothing

Since Hajj this year is taking place in the summer, clothing must be light and made of cotton or linen fabric. The attire needs to be broad, modest, cover every part of the body, and include a sealed head scarf.

Hemdi said: “Please avoid wearing polyester, as it will retain heat inside and cause you to perspire more. Instead, wear breathable materials like cotton and linen.”

Hawraa Abaya, a clothing company for women, has designed an abaya that includes a pair of pants, top, coat, and headscarf. You will need more than one of these for your pilgrimage because you will be changing garments every day of the Hajj.   

https://hawraaabaya.com/products/40502?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBh...

Pack a laundry bag to store your used clothing. 

Bodycare essentials 

Anti-chafing sticks are essential because Hajj involves a lot of walking.

https://www.amazon.sa/Waterproof-Prevention-Anti-Chafe-Protection-Fricti...

Skinfold dry sheets can help manage sweat-related problems. The sheets are made to absorb moisture to help avoid compromising skin integrity due to excessive sweating. They can also be used under breasts and for the belly and armpit areas and should be changed once a day, or whenever the sheet gets wet.

 https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Medline-Skinfold-Moisture-Management-Non-Chaf...  

Any skincare products like shampoo, soap, moisturizer and deodorant should be fragrance-free and travel size. Beesline’s Hajj Kit includes fragrance-free shampoo, soap, ointment, and rosary.

https://www.nahdionline.com/en/beesline-hajj-kit 

Unscented talc and Vaseline can be handy in case of irritation.  

Carry sun protection for your hands and face.

Unscented sanitary pads can be useful, especially for emergencies.

A water spray might help bring relief from the scorching heat of June.

A pair of scissors will be handy for the hair cutting ritual after performing Umrah.

Items to avoid

Avoid carrying makeup as it is not recommended.

Avoid wearing tight and uncomfortable clothing.  

Avoid accessories such as multiple sunglasses, jewelry, perfumes, or electrical appliances. 

Medications  

“It is preferable to purchase locally produced pharmaceuticals because they are approved by the Saudi FDA (Food and Drug Authority),” Hemdi said.

Electrolytes can help you stay hydrated and increase your energy levels. You can also purchase paracetamol or other pain relievers but ensure that they are allowed in Saudi Arabia.

As Makkah is a city in the mountains, the roads might be a little unsettling. Carry motion sickness tablets for public transport rides if you tend to get dizzy and nauseous.

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/369-Life-Sickness-Airplane-Transport/dp/B0BMQ...

Electronics

“You can bring a digital tasbeeh ring or use the apps available on phones,” Hemdi said.

Purchasing a portable fan that can be charged is essential. Certain models allow you to hang the fan over your neck, freeing up your hands.  

https://www.amazon.sa/SHAPE-MART-Neck-Fan-Rechargeable/dp/B0C96PRF2H/ref...

You will need to use an eye mask and earplugs if you plan to sleep during the day.   

A portable power bank that can be used for both your phone and electronic fan is handy. It is common for pilgrims to spend a lot of time outside the tents, and you may also spend a lot of time inside the bus, so being prepared for any low-power scenario is crucial.

Carry an umbrella or a hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight. 

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Bocampty-Protection-Ventilative-Adjustable-Ga...

Comfortable shoes  

“The floors are quite heated, so wear cotton socks and breathable, comfortable shoes instead of slippers and rubber shoes. You must be ready, even though this year’s roadways have been treated with cooling insulation,” Hemdi said.

Hajj requires walking great distances and stopping frequently to pray and refuel, so comfortable shoes are essential.   

Skechers has developed a line of shoes that are specifically tailored to the requirements of pilgrims undertaking Hajj pilgrimage, to ensure maximum comfort.  

https://apparelglobal.com/en/skechers/ 

Packing slippers, in addition to comfortable shoes, is essential for bathing and ablution.

Hemdi said: “Many pilgrims get blisters on their feet from walking a lot or wearing uncomfortable shoes, so it is best to have plasters with you.”

Disposable items 

When entering the Grand Mosque in Makkah, you will have to take off your shoes, so make sure you have a disposable plastic bag to keep your shoes with you.  

To maintain hygiene, toilet chair covers are important.   

https://www.noon.com/saudi-en/toletta-disposable-toilet-seat-covers-prot...

Compressed towels can be handy. 

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Compressed-Portable-Disposable-Activities-SA-...

You can use disposable short socks that are breathable for walking and prayer, especially if they are made of cotton.   

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Goodern-Disposable-Portable-Accessories-Trave...

Hemdi said: “Please drink water whenever you see it offered to pilgrims. The heat may quickly cause dehydration in anyone. Please stay hydrated at all costs and at all times.”


Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation in various fields, and the latest regional and international developments.

Saudi and Pakistani senior officials attended the meeting. 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They discussed resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, in addition to efforts to halt attacks and protect civilians.

Macron commended the Kingdom's role in the US-Russian dialogue and the talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

The pair also tackled issues of mutual interest.


Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed during the call developments in the Gaza Strip and their security and political repercussions. 

Starmer praised the Kingdom's pivotal role in hosting the US-Russia dialogue in Jeddah.

The pair reviewed efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation.


Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power

  • Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes

RIYADH: Ramadan, for many people, is an exceptional opportunity to practice self-discipline. Some people focus on personal growth while others learn new habits or adopt healthy lifestyles.

Fasting, as one example, involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise until sunset, teaching people to control their desires.

The shift in eating patterns allows Muslims to consume mindfully, gaining an appreciation for food and a greater understanding of the situation of millions of people around the world who lack access to safe food and drinking water.

“It is an excellent time for self-discipline,” Hind Saud told Arab News. “The essence of Ramadan and the practice of fasting is a transforming experience, making you a better person, especially if you’re aiming to develop new habits that require self-control.”

She said that she took advantage of the month of fasting to build positive habits, control her food consumption and her appetite for sweets.

“Last Ramadan, I focused on enhancing my health by cutting caffeine. The long fasting hours encouraged me to incorporate healthier beverages like fresh juices, herbal teas and plenty of water.

“I also wanted to reduce my intake of sugar and artificial sweets, which I typically enjoy in desserts and snacks outside of Ramadan. So, I replaced it with fruits and yogurt as part of my suhoor meal.”

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection. People use this month to deepen their relationship with God through prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving to charity. It can also be a time to meditate and practice active meditation.

“Self-control in Ramadan is spiritually achieved by freeing oneself for worship and renewing one’s soul and body from the preoccupations in the past months,” said Amira Abdulmohsen, a local from Riyadh.

She added: “It is also achieved by abstaining from distractions such as wasting time on social media and instead using the time to read the Qur’an or memorize some chapters of it. Ramadan is in general a time to cleanse the body of toxins such as smoking.”

Both spiritual reflection and meditation require separating time from hectic schedules and engaging in activities that lift the spirit and help people to manage their time effectively.

For example, many Saudis during this holy month find joy in praying Taraweeh at the masjid. This daily activity creates a sense of responsibility because it must be performed every day at a specific time.

This habit not only encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being but also raises their sense of accountability toward themselves and their community. It is a great time to bring the neighborhood closer and strengthen their bonds as well.

“Taraweeh prayer strengthens the community’s relationship with each other, while a person strengthens his relationship with neighbors through Ramadan gatherings for iftar meal or through iftar gifts,” Abdulmohsen said.

“Iftar gifts are when I prepare an iftar dish and give some of it to the neighbors minutes before sunset.

“Or, when people have an iftar meal together every day at the local masjid. Some families have a habit of delivering meals to masjids during Ramadan.”

The lessons learned during Ramadan often extend beyond the month itself. Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes.


Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

Updated 20 March 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands

  • Ministry initiative serves iftar meals to 15,000 people in Sudan’s cities and regions
  • Program endorses values of unity and compassion among Muslim societies

RIYADH: Daily iftar banquets organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance during the first half of Ramadan have benefited thousands in 61 countries, including Sudan, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Argentina.

In Sudan, the ministry’s initiative has served iftar meals to 15,000 people across Sudan’s cities and regions and will reach 30,000 people by the end of Ramadan, which concludes in late March.

These banquets are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar Program, which is being carried out in 61 countries worldwide during Ramadan.

The program endorses unity and compassion among Muslim societies, while strengthening brotherhood and solidarity during Ramadan, a month of worship when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

In Tanzania, 2,000 people have benefited from the iftar program during the first half of Ramadan, with the number expected to reach 4,500 next week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry organized iftar banquets in South America, where more than 7,500 people in mosques and centers across Argentina benefited from the program.

This week, the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in the Philippines organized an iftar meal in Manila, which was attended by several heads of Islamic associations in the country.