MADINAH, 5 January 2007 — Pilgrims began arriving in Madinah after successfully completing their Haj rituals. Hundreds of buses packed with pilgrims began arriving two days ago boosting business activities in the city. Hotels are expected to have 100 occupancy within a few days as more pilgrims arrive.
Madinah is a preferred destination for pilgrims from Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Syria. After a few days of Haj and departure of many pilgrims from Makkah, authorities stepped up their efforts to cope with some post-Haj traffic problems that might cause trouble for the pilgrims left behind. Haj visas are valid for 45 days and many pilgrims choose to spend as much time as they can visiting holy sites and praying there.
Arab News spoke to a number of pilgrims from different nationalities who have arrived in Madinah after performing Haj. Sultan Abdul Hameed, a pilgrim from Egypt, said Madinah is a must destination for him after Haj.
“I love to come here to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and stay for a few more days before leaving for home,” he said. “This Haj was a huge success as there were no major incidents. The Saudi authorities did a great job,” he said.
Al-Hassan Al-Kasmi, from Morocco, said this year’s Haj was the easiest of the five pilgrimages he had performed in the past. He said he loved to come to Madinah after performing Haj as it eased his stress. “If I come before Haj I have limited time to visit holy sites in Madinah,” he said.
“Also I want to make sure that I do not spend all my money before performing Haj. Now that I have performed Haj, it is the perfect time to visit Madinah. I can travel at any time now. I am not worried if my flight is delayed for a few days because I am in the city of the Prophet (peace be upon him).”
A large number of pilgrims also visited the mountain of Uhud. Maryam Abdul Fattah, an Egyptian pilgrim, said she loves to visit historical sites and take pictures at Uhud Mountain.
“I made sure that my family members are with me to share my experience,” she said.
Ayub Muhammad Khan, from Pakistan, said he had narrated the story of the battle of Uhud to his sons many times and now was happy being here.
He said, “I have taken some memorable photographs and videos which I would show to my family back home.”
Business areas liked Guba Souk are bustling with activities as pilgrims throng shopping centers to buy gifts for their families back home. Abdul Aziz Al-Ahmadi, a ready-made clothes shop owner, said pilgrims love to shop in the area because it is cheaper than other areas.
He said, “Many of them are buying clothes as gifts and they are buying warm clothes to use back home. Many of them say that clothes are cheaper here than in their countries.
