Makkah: Luis Abi Rachid, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Uruguay and a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, shared the story of his first-ever flight, which he took this year to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.
According to Saudi Press Agency, after being selected for the program supervised and implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Rachid described the journey as one filled with peace and spiritual fulfillment, marking the realization of his lifelong wish to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
Rachid expressed profound emotions upon arriving in the holy land, stating, "I arrived in the holy land with indescribable feelings. I was on my way to perform Umrah and see the Holy Kaaba for the first time in my life, after only seeing it on television. My heart overflowed with longing for this sacred place."
Highlighting the significance of Hajj for new Muslims, he shared, "Hajj is a dream, especially for new Muslims. When I was selected for the program, I felt a joy beyond words. All praise is due to Allah Almighty, and then to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for turning my dream-and the dreams of many Muslims around the world-into reality." Rachid recounted his journey to Islam, which began twenty years ago when a Muslim friend introduced him to the faith over the course of three months. During this time, he learned about the Holy Quran and the practice of prayer, eventually becoming convinced that Islam is the true religion.
Since embracing Islam, Rachid has deepened his faith and understanding, long dreaming of performing Hajj and visiting the Holy Kaaba. He reflected, "I declared my Islam without ever expecting that I would embrace the faith, as I had never considered it. But Allah Almighty guided me and brought me from darkness into spiritual clarity. I felt a peace and inner security I had never known. Islam is a religion of balance, moderation, and tranquility-free from excess, extremism, or rigidity. All praise be to Allah Almighty for guiding me and making me one of the Muslims."
In conclusion, Rachid expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims. He also prayed that Allah Almighty preserve Saudi Arabia and its leadership, and bless both with continued growth, progress, and prosperity.