First Bosnian-Herzegovinian Hajj pilgrims arrive in Sarajevo after completing Hajj

The first group of Bosnian-Herzegovinian Hajj pilgrims arrived today from Medina at Sarajevo International Airport, marking the beginning of their return home after completing the Hajj.

The plane carrying the pilgrims took off from Medina around 7:00 AM this morning, and upon landing in Sarajevo, they were greeted by family members and representatives of the Office for Hajj and Umrah.

The chief guide of the Office for Hajj and Umrah, Izet-ef. Čamdžić, said that this year's Hajj journey went successfully and that all planned activities were carried out according to the scheduled program.

– The first plane of our pilgrims landed from Medina in Sarajevo. We expect another one soon, and in the coming days, two planes per day. This year's Hajj journey was extremely successful, and we carried out all activities in accordance with the plan. Most importantly, all 2,226 Bosnian-Herzegovinian pilgrims performed the Hajj – said Čamdžić.

He added that the organizers strived to ensure quality service throughout the entire journey and expressed hope that all pilgrims would return to their families healthy and safe.

– We hope they have returned home with a Hajj mabrur, pure from sins. We did our utmost to ensure that the service for our pilgrims was at a commendable level everywhere, which it was. If you conducted a survey among our pilgrims, you would see general satisfaction with the organization of the Hajj this year, as in previous years. We thank Almighty Allah for that and hope that all our pilgrims will return home healthy and alive by June 10 – said Čamdžić.

Among the pilgrims who arrived in Sarajevo today was Raha Čomor, who shared her impressions of this year's Hajj.

– Arriving in Mecca was a special experience for me. When I first saw the Kaaba and touched it, I couldn't stop my tears. I thought I wouldn't have the strength for all the rituals, but the closer I got to the Kaaba, the stronger I felt. A special feeling was also staying in the Prophet's Mosque and visiting the Rawdah. That cannot be described in words – emphasized pilgrim Raha.

– We are tired, but that fatigue means nothing compared to the beauty and blessing one experiences there. For someone who hasn't been, it's hard to convey what that feeling is like and how much strength Allah gives a person to perform the acts of worship. Blessed is the one to whom Allah grants the opportunity to perform the Hajj. I pray to Allah that we preserve what we gained there and that the Hajj protects us even after returning home – said Čomor.

Amir Koldžić from Teočak, who traveled for Hajj with his wife, also expressed his satisfaction with the organization of the Hajj.

– By Allah's will, we were given the opportunity to perform the Hajj. It was a great desire of ours, and we decided to travel with the organization of the Islamic Community because we had heard positive experiences earlier. Alhamdulillah, we are very satisfied. At the beginning, it was strenuous until we got used to the pace and obligations, but later we were sorry that the journey was ending, especially when it was time to leave Medina – said Koldžić.

He emphasized that the guides and members of the organizational team were at the pilgrims' disposal throughout the entire journey.

– The guides, imams, and hafizes were exceptionally dedicated. Wherever something was needed, they were there to help, regardless of the time of day or night. They came and checked if everything was in order. Our guide was hafiz Osman Kalabić, and I have only words of praise for him. Izet-ef. Čamdžić was also always available to us and answered all questions. If he couldn't resolve something personally, he would immediately direct us to the guides. I would recommend to everyone to perform the Hajj through the Islamic Community. And the feeling of Hajj cannot be described in words, it must be experienced – said Koldžić.

This year, organized by the Office for Hajj and Umrah of the Riyasat of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2,226 pilgrims traveled for Hajj. They were cared for by guides, Sharia consultants, and a medical team of various specialties.