They prayed especially for their country’s smooth transition to democracy, peace, prosperity and unity. They also wholeheartedly prayed for those who backed them in their “liberation war” that included Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

One thing that was evident on their spiritually-charged faces was unwavering faith in Allah, which gave them “strength to face the long-drawn war.”

The tragedy weighed heavy as the spiritual journey climaxed in Arafat.

“We're here with a different feeling now,” said 40-year-old Mustaqeem Al-Jarifi, worried about the family he left behind in Jarif, near Sirte.

“It was the Almighty who saved us, brought our lives back to normal, gave us strength and resources to overthrow the brutal regime and to celebrate it with the pilgrimage,” said Al-Jarifi. “The war has further strengthened our faith in Allah and it’s time to celebrate.”

Ibrahim was among a group of around 100 Libyans who arrived from Benghazi for the pilgrimage.

Many Libyans rejected the notion of sectarian strife in their country similar to Iraq.

“What other motivation would I have than to pray for the unity of our country? Only unity and a sense of belonging can bring back security, safety and democracy to Libya for which we have longed for 42 years,” said Umm Khadija, a religious teacher from Jarif.

Many of Libyans are here for Haj, but their thoughts are with their families back home in the war-ravaged country.

Ahmad Al-Qasas told Arab News that although he is in the holy land, his heart and mind is still in Libya, where he has left behind his wife, two children and old parents. “I feel sad about the security situation in Libya,” he said.

Another Libyan said that he was planning to perform the pilgrimage for quite a long time but was not able to make it for one reason or the other.

“After our victory ... I thought that I must celebrate with the pilgrimage and hence I am here to answer the call of Allah, very happy and satisfied,” said Abdullah Al-Maghribi from a village called Siqam in Misrata.

Al-Maghribi believes the situation in Libya is improving gradually with the drop in violence. He firmly believes that the transition to democracy will be smooth after a general election sometime next year.

“We are entering a new form of governance unknown to us but I am sure we will learn fast and take the country to new heights with a democratic government and a great sense of reconciliation,” he said.

“Our celebration has just started with Haj. It will be more joyful and exciting in the coming days when we return home to join hands with our brothers and sisters there to take the nation forward,” he added.