RIYADH: The first group of Sudanese pilgrims arrived in Makkah on Sunday for Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The 305 pilgrims, out of 8,000 Sudanese expected to perform the rituals, were received with gifts and roses upon their arrival.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.
Sudan’s Hajj and Umrah official Mohammed Othman Al-Khalifa extended his thanks and appreciation to the Saudi leadership and people.
He commended the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to facilitate performing Hajj for the Sudanese people amid the crisis their country is going through.
On Monday, the first group of pilgrims from Italy, consisting of 130 people, also arrived in the holy city for this year’s pilgrimage.
A pilgrim from Italy arrives in Makkah on Monday. (SPA)
