Makkah: Hajj pilgrims from different corners of the world made a profound journey from Mustalifa to Jamarat on Sunday, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The diverse languages, cultures and backgrounds at Jamarat demonstrated the universal appeal of Islam and the importance of uniting in a shared faith.
Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice in English, has its roots in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim, who was instructed in a dream to sacrifice his son Ishmael as a test of faith in God.
The variety of languages, cultures and backgrounds in Jamarat shows the universal appeal of Islam. (A photo by Huda Bashada)
As he was about to make the sacrifice, God intervened and sent the angel Gabriel with a ram to make the sacrifice instead.
Devout individuals who have traveled great distances to participate in the pilgrimage unite in shared reverence and harmony to mark the significant event.
Abdullah, a pilgrim from Egypt, told Arab News: „Praise be to God, this is our first Hajj and luckily it went smoothly.”
Abdullah said that he and his mother went to Arafat, from Arafat to Mustalifa and then to Mina. “We came here to Jamarat and thank God everything went well.
“Honestly, it’s an indescribable feeling for someone experiencing it for the first time. It is God’s blessing that he has brought us here, may he give us this opportunity every year,” he said.
As his son cuts his hair, Suleiman Ali, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Indonesia, told Arab News that he was blessed to spend Eid al-Adha in Mecca with his family.
„I performed Hajj for the first time in 1993 and I never thought God would give me another chance this time with my family.”
Asma, a pilgrim from India, told Arab News Agency that this is her first time to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
„I am happy to be here with my parents, my husband, my brother-in-law and his wife,” she said.
„This is a very emotional trip for us because we have always dreamed of celebrating Eid al-Adha here.”
Asma said they haven’t done their animal sacrifice yet, but they are excited to do it.
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca and the holy sites brings together people from all walks of life, breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of unity among the faithful.
The diversity and unity among the pilgrims serves as a poignant reminder of the universal bond that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences.