Hajj pilgrims from BiH arrive in Mecca: Emotions are indescribable upon first encounter with the Kaaba

(Patria) - The first groups of Hajj pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina arrived in Mecca over the weekend, where approximately 870 believers are currently staying. According to the organizers, the journey was peaceful and without any difficulties, and upon arrival, the pilgrims were welcomed with Saudi sweets, Zamzam water, and takbirs.

The main guide of the Hajj and Umrah Office of the Islamic Community in BiH, Izet-ef. Čamdžić, stated that the pilgrims who have arrived so far have already performed Umrah and exited their ihram state.

– To date, 870 Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, performed Umrah, and exited their ihram state. Now they are dedicated to individual worship – said Čamdžić.

He added that the arrival of new groups and the performance of Umrah are proceeding according to the pre-determined plan.

– Two planes arriving in Mecca today will perform Umrah after the Isha prayer, and this cycle and practice occur daily – he said.

Accommodation and the organization of the pilgrims' stay are managed by the Hajj and Umrah Office of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pilgrims are accommodated in the Meridian hotel, located a few kilometers from the Grand Mosque of the Kaaba, from where they depart in an organized manner to perform religious rites.

Due to high temperatures in Saudi Arabia, most rites are performed in the evening and early morning hours. Organizers emphasize that the entire organization is proceeding without delays, while the crowds in the Grand Mosque are currently manageable.

According to Saudi media reports, nearly a million believers from all over the world have arrived in Mecca so far.

For many Hajj pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is their first encounter with Mecca and the Kaaba, which evokes special emotions in them.

– The first encounter with the Kaaba is unforgettable and indescribable. The heart is filled with a special feeling – said Kadira Ćerim from Vitez after performing the rites.

This year, a total of 2,222 citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will perform Hajj under the organization of the Islamic Community of BiH, including 250 pilgrims from the diaspora.

The pilgrims are scheduled to stay in Mecca until the end of May, after which they will travel to Medina, where they will spend another five days before returning home.