Madinah, Saudi Arabia — The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the safe arrival of the first group of Sierra Leonean pilgrims in the holy city of Madinah ahead of the 2025 Hajj.
A total of 78 Sierra Leonean diaspora pilgrims touched down over the weekend and have been comfortably settled at the Karam Alkhayr Hotel, located just a short distance from the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid Nabawi. They are currently awaiting the arrival of their fellow pilgrims from around the world.
The main contingent of over 600 pilgrims traveling from Sierra Leone is scheduled to depart from Freetown International Airport on May 28 and 29. Additional pilgrims from the United States, Europe, and Australia are expected to join the pilgrimage on separate dates.
During their stay in Madinah, the pilgrims will take part in spiritual activities including the five daily prayers at Masjid Nabawi and the “Ziyarah” — a visitation to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as Masjid Quba. The Quba Mosque holds profound religious significance as the first mosque built by the Prophet upon his arrival in Madinah, with prayers performed there believed to carry the reward of one Umrah.
Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious obligation for all financially and physically able Muslims. This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah 1446AH, corresponding to June 4–9, 2025.
In total, 2,000 pilgrims from Sierra Leone, including 100 beneficiaries of the Saudi Royal Hajj scholarship, are expected to participate in this year’s sacred journey.
By Abubakarr Bah.
