All Maldivian pilgrims return home after hajj pilgrimage

The hundreds of Maldivian pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage have all safely returned home.

1,000 Maldivian pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s hajj on four flights between May 26 and May 30.

The first group of pilgrims returned on Friday, the second on Saturday, and the third on Monday. The last group of pilgrims returned on Tuesday night.

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once by all Muslims who are able to.

The pilgrimage occurs annually between the eighth and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Worshippers take part in four days of ceremonies with the high point coming on the second day with mass outdoor prayers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Mohamed delivered his last sermon.

This year, the day of Arafat fell on June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6.

The Maldives was added to the Makkah Route Initiative this year, which means pilgrims were able to complete immigration procedures of both countries at the Velana International Airport before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

This eliminated waiting time at Jeddah airport and allowed pilgrims to directly go to their hotels with their luggage.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also traveled to Mecca for this year’s hajj.