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Arbaeen Idea 3: Tips for the Arbaeen Ziyarat and the Walk from Najaf to Kerbala

by | Ideas for Marking Arbaeen, Muharram/Safar, Ziyarat

Having recently come back from doing the walk, I thought it might be useful to share some resources and practical tips that will Inshallah help the trip go smooth and also have the kids benefit as much as possible!

After having recently come back from the Arbaeen walk/Ziyarat, I thought it might be helpful to put a few handy hints together for those who go in the future – both with and without kids!

Things to pack for the walk:

The bare minimum is always advised! Snacks are abound, but here are some things that came in handy:

  • Tissues/Wipes – a travel pack
  • A small anti bac, cream, essential meds
  • V light bathroom slippers – sounds odd, but this saves a lot of hassle and dirt as you have to wear your shoes to the bathrooms at the mawkibs
  • Face cloth – will come in handy if you need to have a quick shower at the mawkib
  • Your own mohr/turbah – again, saves time and energy looking for some
  • Hat/Sunglasses/small suncream – for women visors are great. They do sell them there but it’s probably easier to take one with you rather than spend time looking there.
  • Disposable poncho for unexpected showers are handy
  • Ipod/phone with downloaded lectures/Quran/Nauhas with earphones to listen to on the walk
  • Tasbih counter – to do dhikr
  • If you have kids who will not be able to use the Easter toilets, then disposable seat covers might be a good buy. Just pls don’t thrown them down the toilet as the flush systems are not very good and will get clogged up.
  • For kids suffering from allergies/asthma, a mask is a good idea.
  • High vis jackets for them to wear, or even to pin on the back of their bagpacks is a good way to keep them visible. Alternatively make them wear a bright top. Always have a pre-agreed mawkib for where you will meet in case you get separated if you have older kids.
  • For older kids who might want to go ahead on their own, one family brought a walkie talkie set which was ingenious and allowed the parents not to worry too much if they were not in sight!
  • A wrist link might be a good idea for younger kids.
  • The group you are going with will usually give out lanyards or cards with hotel and contact no details, but it’s also a good idea to make sure they have full ID attached to them also.
  • If you like tea, please do take a very light reusable cup! There is a lot of wastage of disposables and you can make a difference by filling your own cup at the mawkibs or during the walk. They will also come in VERY handy at the hotels!
  • For fussy eaters, small milk carton and cereal boxes are handy for breakfast.

Things for the haram:

The best investment we made was foldable thin shoes which came in a small bag that you could store away in your purse when entering the haram, rather than having to go put your shoes in the storage.

For kids, workbooks and journals are great to keep them occupied. You might not have the time to sit and work too much at the haram, but they also come in handy for the hotel for when it’s too busy to go out. Also, if going to the haram, trying going to the higher levels which are big halls and usually have much more space than near the zarih area.

Workbook Resources:

http://www.tasbihproject.com/product-category/mini-momineen/

(Younger kids)

https://www.hujjatbookshop.co.uk/knowing-the-masumin-imam-ali-as.html

http://qfatima.com/shop/q-shop/q-pilgrimage/ziyara-workbook-iraq/

(Younger Kids)

http://qfatima.com/shop/q-shop/q-pilgrimage/travel-journal-iraq/

(recommended for 13 and over)

Iraq Journal for Children

(recommended for 7 to 13)

https://kisakids.org/shop/an-illustrated-ziyarah-guide-to-iraq/

Watch these video resources before you go:

https://www.buzzideazz.com/arbaeen-and-the-n2k-walk-documentaries/

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