Your passport, money, and documents are the most important items on the journey. Here is how to keep them safe from loss.
Amid the crowds of the holy land, safeguarding valuables such as your passport, money, phone, and travel documents becomes very important. Losing any of them can disturb your peace of mind and the smoothness of your worship. Here is how to store your valuables safely throughout your journey.
Separate and duplicate important documents from home. Keep copies of your passport, visa, and ticket apart from the originals, and also store digital versions on your phone and email. If the originals are lost, these copies will greatly help speed up the replacement process.
Use a security bag worn against your body, such as a waist pouch or a pouch hung inside your clothing. Keep your money and passport there when out, and avoid placing valuables in a back trouser pocket that others' hands can easily reach in a crowd.
Do not carry all your money everywhere you go. Bring enough for daily needs, then keep the rest in a safe place. Split your money across several different spots so the risk of loss is not concentrated in one point alone.
Use the safe or safe deposit box in your hotel room if available. Store your passport, extra money, and other valuables there when you head to the mosque. Make sure you understand how to lock and unlock the safe correctly, and do not forget to retrieve all its contents before checking out.
Mark your suitcase and bags with a tag or ribbon so they are easy to recognise among hundreds of similar pieces of luggage. Do not put valuables in checked luggage; keep your passport, essential medicine, money, and phone in the cabin bag you always carry with you.
Always heighten your alertness in very crowded areas, such as during tawaf, sa'i, or when shopping in the market. Hold your bag toward the front of your body, and keep an eye on the people around you without being excessively suspicious.
Also beware of scams or strangers who offer excessive help in crowded places. Do not hand your passport or valuables to anyone other than your group's official staff. If in doubt, ask your muthawwif or group leader first before following the instructions of someone you do not know.
Finally, get into the habit of checking your belongings each time you move, whether leaving your room, getting off the bus, or finishing a prayer. This simple habit prevents items from being left behind or dropped, keeps your documents safe, and makes your heart calmer throughout your worship.
