![[Reader Discussion] What to Pack For Hajj | ProductiveMuslim](http://cdn-61dc8321c1ac18f874f6c789.closte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Reader-Discussion-Sustaining-the-Ramadan-Productivity-Spike-600.png)
The theme for this month’s discussion is what to pack for hajj.
In less than a month, millions of Muslims will be assembling to fulfill one of the five fundamental pillars of their faith: the hajj. It is the largest annual gathering of people that has continued to take place across centuries, and draws people from every corner of the earth, as Allah 
states in the Qur’an:
“And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).” [Qur’an: Chapter 22, Verse 27]
As hajj is the greatest spiritual journey a Muslim will make in his/her lifetime, it requires considerable spiritual, material and physical preparation in order to truly enjoy and benefit from this incredible experience. Allah makes particular mention of stocking up for hajj in the Qur’an:
“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.). So fear Me, O men of understanding!” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 197]
Allah aptly points out the best provision for this unique journey is taqwa or consciousness of Him : there’s no way to survive the challenging situations faced during hajj without constantly bringing Allah’s presence to mind. Whether it’s the heat, the long tiring walks, the constant moving, the long queues at the washrooms or having to navigate your way in a sea of humanity for five days, hajj truly tests your ability to patiently withstand difficult situations while consciously working on your spirituality and worship at the same time. It is only through constantly reminding yourself of Who you’ve set out on this epic journey for that you can overcome its hardships.
Alhamdulillah, alot of us have been blessed with the opportunity to perform this transformational act of worship and there are so many experiences, lessons and memories to share.
If you’ve performed hajj, share with other readers how and what they must pack:
- spiritually: what to do to prepare the heart and mind for hajj; what baggage to leave behind and what’s an absolute must to carry within oneself
- materially: food, clothing, finances, footwear, accessories and other essentials to have an easy, organized and enjoyable hajj
- physically: how to prepare and equip one’s body with the energy and stamina required for hajj
