Hajj preparations in final stages: Departures from May 27, BiH among first countries with completed visa processing

(Patria) - The first two groups of future pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina will travel to Saudi Arabia on May 27, and the last on June 2, confirmed the head of the Hajj and Umrah Office of the Islamic Community of BiH, Dževad Hadžić.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the first countries to complete the visa processing for pilgrims, and the organization of this year's pilgrimage is in its final stages - stated Hadžić.

As he said, another successful Hajj is expected, and preparations are ongoing.

Applications opened in September last year, followed by educational sessions, agreements with partners in Saudi Arabia, and organizational work on the ground.

- We have signed all necessary contracts, set deadlines and obligations. We are currently finalizing visa processing, and pilgrims are assigned to groups, taking their wishes into account. We can say that we are nearing the end of preparations - emphasizes Hadžić.

This year, pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina will have a new experience - transportation by train to Jamarat, which will resolve one of the most challenging organizational segments from previous years.

In Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will first stay in Mecca for about 15 days, and then in Medina for another five days, after which they will return to their homeland. Two groups will depart for Hajj daily until June 2.

A total of 2,222 pilgrims will go on Hajj this year, while the number of applicants was 3,108. Those who could not travel this year will be given priority when applying next year, according to the new Rulebook of the Hajj and Umrah Office.

Of the total number of pilgrims this year, 1,204 men and 1,018 women will perform their fifth Islamic duty.

The age structure of the pilgrims shows that 299 people under 40 years of age will perform Hajj, while 939 pilgrims are over 60 years old. Among them are 269 pilgrims who are over 70 years old.

The oldest pilgrim is 83 years old, while the youngest female pilgrim is only 19 years old.

Efendija Hadžić advises pilgrims to prepare physically and spiritually, as Hajj is a challenging act of worship that involves effort and walking.

- I recommend all pilgrims to start with daily walks of at least ten kilometers. Also, they should prepare for the first encounter with the Kaaba, and know what they want to say and ask from the Lord at that moment - he conveyed.

Bosnian and Herzegovinian pilgrims are recognized in Saudi Arabia as polite, clean, and dignified, and hosts, according to Hadžić, gladly welcome them.

Nevertheless, a great deal of patience is needed during Hajj due to crowds, high temperatures, and a different environment.

- Patience is one of the basic necessities during Hajj. If we are tolerant and patient, our Hajj will, God willing, be successful - he noted, among other things, Hadžić.