The Sacred Journey Continues: Moroccan Pilgrims Embark on the Final Leg to Mecca

In a solemn procession steeped in centuries of tradition, groups of Moroccan pilgrims are departing daily from Medina, bound for the hallowed grounds of the Al-Haram Mosque and the sacred sites of Mecca, where they will undertake the revered rites of the hajj pilgrimage. This pivotal phase of their spiritual odyssey was confirmed by Abdellatif Hakki, the deputy chief of the Moroccan Pilgrims Affairs Office (Medina section).

According to Hakki's statement, the last contingent of Moroccan pilgrims will bid farewell to Medina on June 8th, embarking on their journey to Mecca. This meticulously orchestrated operation unfolds under the auspices of a coordinated apparatus involving various stakeholders, whose collective efforts aim to facilitate the seamless and secure transportation of the faithful as they embark on this sacred undertaking.

Hakki further revealed that the Moroccan pilgrims have been accommodated in the vicinity of the Al-Haram Mosque, ensuring their proximity to the sacred sites. Moreover, he noted that flights arriving from Morocco after June 2nd will be routed through Jeddah Airport, allowing the pilgrims to proceed directly to Mecca, their ultimate destination.

Amidst the logistical preparations, Hakki emphasized the unwavering determination of the pilgrims to fulfill this sacred obligation with utmost reverence and devotion. He commended the concerted efforts of the security authorities, the commissions under the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the regional Hajj commission, and the dedicated volunteers, whose collective endeavors ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims throughout their journey.

In a related development, Ahmed Toufiq, the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, addressed the House of Representatives during a question-and-answer session on Monday, revealing that 18,119 of the 22,500 pilgrims from the official Moroccan contingent have already arrived at the holy sites to perform the hajj rites for the year 1445 Hijri.

The minister further elaborated that 12,040 pilgrims have reached Mecca, while 6,079 others have made their way to Medina, noting that the last direct flight to Medina took place on Monday.

As the Moroccan pilgrims embark on this final leg of their sacred journey, their presence in Mecca symbolizes the culmination of years of anticipation and preparation. The reverence with which they approach this spiritual undertaking resonates across the Islamic world, serving as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds that transcend borders and unite the faithful in their shared devotion.