JEDDAH, 21 January 2005 — People of Makkah leave an unforgettable impression on the pilgrims during Eid Al-Adha.
The occasion in Makkah is remarkable in that it is the pilgrims who make Eid unique in the holy city.
After finishing Eid prayers the majority of Makkawis start off their celebrations by getting ready to invite tired pilgrims, mostly family members and friends, for a delicious Udhia — an expression used for the sheep slaughtered on Eid Al-Adha day.
“Pilgrims light up our city and lives every year. They make our Eid special,” said Sulaiman Al-Harbi, a Makkah resident.
Al-Harbi’s family has hosted pilgrims annually; so did their fathers and forefathers.
Despite performing Haj this year, his six brothers and he still managed to start the fire, slaughter and cook the Udhia and make accommodation available for their friends and family members who showed up at their house after doing the Haj rituals themselves.
To a non-Makkawi it might look strange but to a native of the holy city such hospitality comes naturally and with immense pleasure, said Al-Harbi.
After stoning the Jamarat, lucky pilgrims with families or friends in Makkah tend to head directly to their houses to celebrate Eid.
Hassan Ali, a 25-year-old Saudi pilgrim from Jeddah, said, “Alhamdullilah, we have relatives in Makkah to head to”.
“After a nice hot shower we take time off before, during and after lunch and discuss our stories our Haj experiences, everyone with a different story,” said Hassan
“Happiness and laughter fills the air, it’s a wonderful reward after a holy experience,” added Abdullah Ali, Hassan’s younger brother.
“This is my third Haj. I sat with 11 pilgrims this year and we agreed on one thing — it was smooth sailing all the way,” Hassan concluded.
