A Muslim and non-Muslim persons packing list doesn’t vary much. Besides the fact that we only add a few more items to our list, there really isn’t much difference at all. After all, we are all great travelers and adventurers, we worry about the exact same things and we share the exact same excitement that travel ignites in all of us.

In any case, since Islam is a lifestyle covering each part of our day-to-day norms, even during travel, it makes travelling a little more extraordinary and a special experience and with religious observance in mind, here are some tips for the travelling Muslim and packing equipment you’ll need, in addition to my Packing 101 checklist:

Compartments, compartments, compartments!

Finding your prayer mat during an airborne flight? The last thing you need to have to do is open up your luggage and fish out items you need from the bottom of your bag. You need to be able to have things close by, easy access, no fuss and the best way to do that is by having compartmentalized bags! The more sections and pockets in the bag, the better! Below are some examples of what I use and recommend:

Travel Prayer Mat

Prayer mats are the most basic and essential travel item for any Muslim. Nowadays, the silk/sateen material prayer mats especially made for travelling are readily available and do not soil easily. Most come with their own travel pouch to store them in, making having a travel mat a lightweight and compact task.

 

 

 Compass

To help with the direction of the Qibla, travelers should have an accurate compass needle that will point them in the right direction during the five daily prayers. Best way to do this in my opinion, is to have a physical compass, and many prayer mats today have these pre-ingrained into the mat available at most Islamic stores. Alternatively, download the HalalTrip app onto your phone and use this, although I highly recommend getting an actual compass- apps are totally overrated!

Prayer Dress

Many people overlook this one simply because they think the clothes they are packing can substitute as a prayer dress as well. Your regular clothes could work, but when Fajr is just before sunrise and after making wudhu, you’re getting entirely changed into your going-out clothes just to pray and then fall asleep again, it becomes inconvenient. Many Muslims own at least one abaya, the long black dress or equally simple to wear. Don’t forget to pack one! This has happened to me so many times, don’t make the same mistake.

 

Flat Water Bottle

Last but certainly not least, a flat water bottle! You didn’t think of this one did you?! I’d say carry a water bottle with you at all times, but airport security is bound to take that from you so to avoid this, flat water bottles are a life saving alternative. Besides being compact, durable and foldable, these little goodies can easily be filled up and used for ablution. Sometimes when travelling, find a clean or even modest bathroom might prove difficult- the stares can even be daunting! Grab yourself one of these bottles, fill it up and find somewhere quiet to perform your ablution. If filling up for drinking purposes, take care of impurities in tap water. Ask for tap water from hostesses or airport staff who can easily access clean water. A must-have for every Muslim traveller!

Click on the pictures to take you directly to the seller pages! This post is not sponsored by any of the sellers included in this post, but I’ve highlighted their products as something I use and make my life a hell of alot easier when travelling as a Muslim female.

Anything else you think is essential for a muslim traveller or agree with my post? Let me know below! Leave me a comment with your thoughts, I’d love to hear what you think!