By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The first group of 78 Sierra Leonean diaspora pilgrims has safely arrived in Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the pilgrims, who journeyed from various parts of the diaspora, have been warmly received and are currently accommodated at Karam Alkhayr Hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of Masjid Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque).
This marks the beginning of a spiritual journey for thousands of Sierra Leoneans preparing to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam, the diaspora pilgrims are the first of an expected 2,000 total pilgrims from Sierra Leone, which includes both home-based and international participants.
An additional 600 home-based pilgrims are scheduled to depart from Freetown International Airport on 28 and 29 May 2025. Meanwhile, others traveling from countries such as the United States, Europe, and Australia are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on varying dates, depending on their flight schedules.
This year’s pilgrimage also includes 100 scholarship recipients, beneficiaries of the Saudi Royal Hajj Scholarship, who will join the rest of the delegation for the sacred rites in Makkah and Madinah.
During their stay in Madinah, pilgrims will perform Ziyarah a religious visit to sacred sites—including the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Masjid Quba, the first mosque built by the Prophet after his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah. It is widely believed in Islamic tradition that praying two Rakat in Masjid Quba is spiritually equivalent to performing one Umrah.
In addition, the pilgrims will offer their five daily prayers at Masjid Nabawi, one of the most revered mosques in the Islamic world, and visit other historic landmarks such as the graves of martyrs and early companions of the Prophet.
The Hajj pilgrimage a mandatory religious duty for all financially and physically able adult Muslims is a five-day ritual that takes place from the 8th to 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, Hajj will be observed from June 4th to June 9th, 2025 (1446 AH).
The Government of Sierra Leone, through its Hajj Secretariat and in coordination with Saudi authorities, has worked to ensure the smooth organization and safety of all pilgrims. This includes logistical arrangements, accommodation, transportation, and access to spiritual guidance throughout the journey.
As the remaining pilgrims prepare for departure in the coming days, there is a shared sense of anticipation and reverence among the group, united in their devotion and commitment to fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual obligation.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 21st, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
