What to Pack for Hajj Part 3 {Healthcare and Religious Items}

Welcome to the third and final article in the What to Pack for Hajj series! 

Click here for the first part in the series: The Basics

Click here for the second part in the series: Personal Belongings

Today we will discuss healthcare and religious items. Let's get started! 

1. Band-aids for cuts or scrapes

2. Eye and/or ear drops

3. Tylenol (I use this for fever)

4. Advil (For aches)

5. Allergy medicine. I took Zyrtec. In Muzdalifa you will basically be sleeping out in the open on a bed of sand and dust :) Allergies galore. I sneezed just thinking about it!

6. Make sure you take Multivitamins on a regular basis. Start at least a few weeks before the trip to build your immune system. Nature's Way Gummy Vitamins taste good and are halal!

7. A high dose of Vitamin C. I took a 1000mg tablet every day from a couple of weeks before Hajj up until Hajj was over. Alhumdulillah apart from a slight cough which is inevitable, I didn't get sick! I also took the flu vaccine before leaving for Hajj and I am sure that contributed to not getting ill. I would definitely recommend it!

8. Neosporin, which is an ointment for wounds.

9. Ask your doctor for antibiotics in case you get ill over there. We just asked a Muslim family friend doctor to prescribe medication. He prescribed Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin. Only use if needed! We didn't need to use it thankfully, but it was comforting to know we had antibiotics on hand instead of needing to find a doctor and wait in line.

10. Laxatives

11. Imodium

12. Hand sanitizer

13. Medication to delay the menstruation cycle. Please make sure to start these around 2-3 months in advance to get your body used to it. Ladies can email me at simplyseher@gmail.com for more information on feminine issues.

I would also recommend getting pouches or smaller bags to organize your belongings. I used the Shacke Pak packing cubes for clothes and religious items. It comes in a set of four and also a laundry bag, which is very handy as well! I have linked the product below, it comes in various colors. It can be used during any trip of course.

Small cosmetic pouches are great for medication and toiletries. Everything being compartmentalized really leads to less stress during your trip. You can find those in many stores. Pencil cases will also do the trick.
Finally, a few religious items. 

1. A prayer mat is essential for each person because you could be praying anywhere at any time of day. I would recommend a small, children sized prayer mat for each person. It takes up less space in your bag and is lightweight. Also, there are many strangers who would want to share your prayer mat if you bring a regular sized one. With illnesses all around you, it would be best to not share something that you put your face on numerous times a day. Take care of your health so that you are fit enough to keep up with the rituals of Hajj!

2. A mini Quran along with mini books of supplication. I read the supplication books during tawaf and sa'ee as well. All of the duas in the book are directly from the Quran and Sunnah. Here's a closer look at the books:

3. Prayer beads (tasbih) for remembrance of Allah.
4. An iPod or Mp3 player loaded with lectures from beforehand, along with earbuds. This comes in use during all of the times you are transporting from one place to another, or in the tents if you are very tired and want to lie down but not waste precious time!
5. I also regularly used a large, lightweight shawl inside the tents. It covered my whole body, was comfortable, and was perfect for prayers.
6. A List of Duas should be written in advance, preferably a few pages long. This is the ultimate time to ask for whatever it is you want, so make sure to balance duas of both deen and duniya on your list. Pour your heart out on those papers! I was able to read those pages at least twice a day every day. Also ask your family and friends to list their duas and print these out to take with you.
Also, please remember me in your prayers during this blessed journey!
Hope this series about what to pack for Hajj was helpful for you! Please comment below if you have anymore ideas! Would love to hear them!
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Repurpose Wooden High Chair as Valet Stand

I've been wanting a valet stand for a few months. How awesome would it be to have all the things you need to leave the house in one place? Very awesome. In fact, an organizer's dream.

Unfortunately, living in an apartment, there was no space to keep this beauty, and it didn't make sense to spend $150 when I really didn't need to. However, I still wanted it! Cue my son's high chair:

His grandparents very graciously gifted us this highchair that transforms into a booster seat and a desk chair as well. It's a Keekaroo Height Right High Chair. If you purchase it, make sure to get the infant cushion insert separately as well! My son sits with us on a regular dining chair while eating right now, so I thought I'd use the highchair in a different way!

The plastic tray is removable, which really helps to give it more of a valet stand look:

I've added a few items that I reach for when leaving the house, depending on the weather. Hope this post inspires you to look at things from a different perspective as well! Also, check out how I repurposed my son's changing table to a beverage cart! Here's a link to the high chair if you're interested:

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What are some ways you've repurposed things around the house? Comment below, I'd love to hear from you!
Linked to A Bowl Full of Lemons and Remodelaholic