MAKKAH: Hajj pilgrims hailing from different corners of the globe embarked on a profound journey from Muzdalifah to Jamarat on Sunday, culminating in the joyful celebration of Eid Al-Adha.
The diversity of languages, cultures and backgrounds present in Jamarat demonstrated the universal appeal of Islam and the importance of uniting in a common faith.
Eid Al-Adha, or the Feast of the Offering in English, has its roots in the story of the prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by God in a dream to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith.
The diversity of languages, cultures and backgrounds present in Jamarat demonstrates the universal appeal of Islam. (AN Photo: Huda Bashatah)
As he was about to make the sacrifice, God intervened and sent the angel Gabriel with a ram to be sacrificed instead.
Devoted people who have traveled great distances to take part in the sacred pilgrimage unite in common respect and harmony to celebrate this momentous event.
Abdullah, a pilgrim from Egypt, told Arab News: “Praise be to God, this is our first hajj and fortunately it went smoothly.”
Abdullah said that he and his mother went to Arafat and then from Arafat to Muzdalifah 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’s God’s blessing that he brought us here, and may he give us this opportunity every year,” he said.
As his son got his hair cut, 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 that God would bless me with another chance, but this time with my family.”
Asma, a pilgrim from India, told Arab News that it was her first time in Saudi Arabia and during the hajj.
“I’m happy to be here with my parents, my husband, my brother-in-law and his wife,” she said.
“This is a very emotional journey for us as we have always dreamed of celebrating Eid Al-Adha here.”
Asma said they haven’t done an animal sacrifice yet, but they are excited about it.
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca and the holy sites brings together people from all walks of life, breaking down barriers and strengthening a sense of unity among believers.
The diversity and unity of the pilgrims are a moving reminder of a universal bond that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences.