A group of pilgrims travelling to the holy lands bid farewell to their families and loved ones at the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport International Terminal. The Izmir 2nd Hajj Group Leader, Buca District Mufti Kemal Demirel, expressed their intention to ensure that the pilgrims perform their hajj in the most beautiful and complete manner possible.
Demirel noted that the pilgrims were filled with emotion and excitement, with a total of 280 pilgrims in their group. He mentioned that the pilgrims and their families have eagerly awaited this opportunity to fulfill their hajj duties for years. He wished for a safe and healthy journey for all and mentioned that their first stop would be Medina before proceeding to Mecca. He expressed the excitement they felt for the journey and prayed for the safety and well-being of their country and people.
One pilgrim, 58-year-old Cengiz Polat, shared his anticipation for his long-awaited journey to Hajj with his grandchildren and wife by his side. He expressed his gratitude and joy, as he had been dreaming of this opportunity for seven years. Polat emphasized the significance of their pilgrimage to the house of Allah and expressed his intentions to pray for their brothers and sisters in Gaza, Turkey, and the entire Muslim world during the journey.
Another pilgrim, 63-year-old Sabahat Doğantay, revealed that he had been waiting for 12 years to embark on this spiritual journey. He expressed his happiness and wished for everyone who desires to undertake this sacred journey to be granted the opportunity. Following a recitation of the Quran, the Provincial Mufti Sinan Kazancı led a prayer for the pilgrims as they prepared to depart for their pilgrimage.
After bidding farewell to their families, the pilgrims boarded a plane at the airport and set off for Medina to begin their journey. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions as the pilgrims embarked on this significant and spiritual journey, with hopes for a safe and transformative experience at the holy sites. The group’s departure marked the beginning of this sacred pilgrimage, with prayers and well-wishes accompanying them on their way.
