Tunisian pilgrims, who arrived in Makkah over the past three weeks, were united in their prayers for peace, stability and the loved ones they lost in the violence that resulted in the ouster of long-time ruler Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali.

Haj this year comes amid Arab Spring that swept across the entire region from Tunisia to Libya, Egypt and Syria.

The first Haj flight from Tunis landed in Madinah three weeks ago with 262 pilgrims, followed by 42 flights to both Jeddah and Madinah. “We had daily three flights to bring pilgrims to the Kingdom,” said Hasan Jibril.

The Tunisian government has made elaborate arrangements for its pilgrims and has also sent 80 medical and paramedical staff and several religious guides to assist them.

Many Tunisian pilgrims shared their thoughts about the revolution and its aftermath, including the country's first-ever free elections, with Arab News. Ahmad Al-Qudus, a Tunisia-born pilgrim who lives in Ohio with his family, said his heart is still in Tunisia where he was born and brought up.

Interestingly, Al-Qudus was in Tunisia during the uprising and took an active part in the revolution.

“I used to feel sad about the situation in Tunisia,” he said. “I pray to God for the unity of the Tunisian people and hope that the country will join hands and rebuild their great country. I am grateful to the present disposition which conducted the free and fair polls; now I hope that the coming government will work for the development and prosperity of the country,” Al-Qudus said.

“I have been dreaming about coming to the Kingdom to perform Haj for a long time,” said Tariq Al-Hadi, another Tunisian pilgrim.

“All the exhaustion and fatigue of the recent upheaval back home disappeared once we arrived in Makkah. I will make use of this opportunity to meet my relatives who live in the Kingdom and some others who have also come here to perform Haj. I have not seen them for a long time. We have overcome a very difficult situation and now things have started coming back to normal…but still we have to go a long way in nation-building. I will pray in Arafat for my country and our loved ones,” Al-Hadi said.

Mohsin Al-Faizee, a 70-year-old who lives in the heart of Tunis, said the situation in the country is improving gradually and the elections have brought a new sense of belonging among Tunisians.

Al-Faizee is performing Haj for the fourth time. He said he noticed many changes in Makkah since his last visit more than 10 years ago.

“The overcrowding is not a problem as of now but the real picture will emerge once pilgrims return from Arafat,” he said. “I am praying to God to improve the conditions of Muslims and especially Tunisians, who have suffered for years.”

“What other motivation would I have than to pray for the prosperity of our country? Only unity and sincerity can bring back security and prosperity to our great country,” said Adeela Um Haider.

“We pray for the old regime’s people to be tried for their crimes. They are the ones who have torn us apart,” added the 40-year-old teacher.

“We need to pray for Tunisia; you must pray with us for our homeland,” said Adeela as her voice choked.