By: Abdul Razack Gbla
A scene of faith, gratitude, and national pride unfolded at the Hajj and Umrah Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport as 298 Sierra Leonean pilgrims prepared to return home after successfully completing the sacred rites of Hajj.
Leading the farewell was the Deputy Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Abdul Aziz Turay, who personally ensured the smooth departure of the pilgrims. Speaking with heartfelt emotion, the Deputy Ambassador described the moment as one of “devotion and diplomacy,” highlighting the spiritual and diplomatic significance of the occasion for Sierra Leonean Muslims.
In a video report shared by Information Attaché Abubakarr Bah at approximately 12:08 p.m. local time, the first batch of pilgrims was seen boarding an EgyptAir flight en route to Freetown. Ambassador Turay expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the successful completion of the pilgrimage and the safe return of the pilgrims.
“I thank Allah first and foremost for allowing our people to complete their Hajj and begin their journey back home safely,” Ambassador Turay stated. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President, and all government departments in Sierra Leone that contributed to making this year’s Hajj a success.”
He further acknowledged the invaluable support of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing their assistance as instrumental in facilitating the entire Hajj process. “To the pilgrims, I say thank you for your discipline and faith. My message to you is simple: Hajj Mabrur. May Allah accept your efforts and bring you safely home,” he concluded.
The departing pilgrims, many of whom could be seen smiling and raising their hands in prayer, expressed deep appreciation to the government and embassy for their role in ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
As the aircraft ascended into the Saudi sky, it carried not just hundreds of Sierra Leoneans, but also the shared pride of a nation whose commitment to supporting its Muslim citizens on this sacred journey grows stronger each year.