First group of future pilgrims sent off with a program at King Fahd Mosque

(Patria) - A special program was held this morning at King Fahd Mosque for the first group of 172 future pilgrims from Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking their departure on this life-changing journey.

The send-off was attended by the Deputy Reis-ul-Ulama of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Enes-ef. Ljevaković, who conveyed several messages and pieces of advice to those present. 

– All the rituals we perform during Hajj have their form, but they serve their primary purpose: to draw closer to Allah, the Almighty. Therefore, it is very important that, during this journey where pilgrims may encounter various situations, they always keep in mind the goal, purpose, and intention of embarking on this trip – noted Dr. Ljevaković.

He also touched upon the preparations that have already been made, reminding everyone that the guides have prepared the pilgrims well and thoroughly for what lies ahead during this journey.

– It is very important for everyone to be patient and disciplined. Any potential difficulties will be resolved as they arise, and I hope this journey will be successful and without major problems, as has been the case in previous years. Everything has been done to ensure this – emphasized Dr. Ljevaković. 

We discussed the technical and organizational details with the chief guide of the first group, Izet-ef. Čamdžić, who stated that 2,226 pilgrims are traveling from Bosnia and Herzegovina this year, and that this morning's program marked the beginning of their journey. 

– The pilgrims gathered here at Fahd Mosque at 4 AM this morning, performed the morning prayer, and then attended a short program organized for this group, just as a program will be organized for each subsequent group of our pilgrims, until May 21st – explained Efendija Čamdžić. 

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of spouses traveling for Hajj together, which was confirmed by the scenes this morning in front of Fahd Mosque. Among others, Mustafa and Hatidža Širbić shared with us the conversations that preceded this decision. 

– I am here thanks, first to Allah, and then to my wife, who really pushed me and said: 'How much longer will you postpone it? You are healthy, you have the means, and by God, no more delays.' In fact, if she hadn't put me in order the way a wife knows how to put a man in order, I might still be calculating something – Mustafa admitted. 

He added that it is significant for him to embark on this journey with the advice and messages he heard during this morning's program, especially due to the imperative of constant self-reflection. 

– The Deputy Reis-ul-Ulama told us to examine our hearts and our past lives. Here, we should ask ourselves whether this catharsis will finally come or if we will continue to pretend, invent, and so on. A person is in a constant struggle, and I feel now that this is the right time to put things in order – said Mustafa. 

Hatidža and Mustafa Širbić: Hajj is the right time to put things in order

Let us remind you that, with the intention of facilitating the performance of Hajj for future pilgrims, the Office for Hajj and Umrah has this year provided a mobile application for all pilgrims, aimed at informing and coordinating their stay in Mecca and Medina.

Each pilgrim has installed the application through which they will have access to all information about Hajj: about rituals, Hajj geography, supplications to recite, and similar.

In addition, the application allows guides to easily locate any pilgrim from their group if they get lost or fall behind.

This year, five gigabytes of internet have also been provided for all pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. As soon as they land at Jeddah airport, they will have internet access and the application will be available, along with communication with their guide.