First group of pilgrims arrived in BiH

(Patria) - The first plane with Bosnian pilgrims, who traveled to Mecca and Medina organized by the Office for Hajj and Umrah of the Islamic Community (IZ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, landed at Sarajevo International Airport this afternoon.

According to Izet-ef. Čamdžić, one of the religious guides, the journey went smoothly and all pilgrims are in good health.

"A group of 285 pilgrims arrived in the first group. Everyone is happy to have had the opportunity to perform the Hajj and visit holy sites. They were joyfully reunited with their homeland, because no matter where we are, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most beautiful. All our pilgrims performed the Hajj and we successfully completed everything without major issues. We can say we are satisfied," he said.

Among this year's pilgrims was Nana Fata Orlović from Konjević Polje. She performed the Hajj with her daughter Zlatka.

"I have been waiting for this for 25 years, and today I have waited to perform it, to return, and to see you all. God has brought me joy. It wasn't difficult for me, because when you do something from the heart, everything is as it should be," she told the media.

Nana Fata performed Hajj with her daughter

Anel Omerović from Srebrenik performed Hajj for the first time. Upon his return, he emphasized that his emotions were mixed.

"A person needs to go there to feel it all. Tears flowed on their own in Mecca and Medina because you realize you are walking in the space where the Prophet walked. While I was there, the world was on a break, as if we were born again. We met new people, bonded, it was beautiful," he said.

A large number of family members, relatives, and friends welcomed the pilgrims who returned from Saudi Arabia.

"There were many tears on the first day when we arrived, indescribable. The first sight of the Grand Mosque, you can't help but cry. Countless prayers we recited at Arafat, in the Grand Mosque, for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for our families, for all the children of the world, for everyone," said Mirsad Šarić from Slovenia.

The return of the remaining Bosnian pilgrims is expected in the coming days. Two planes are scheduled to arrive daily, and the return process should be completed over the weekend.