As pilgrims flock to Madinah to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, they are amazed at the scale of the renovations taking place at the holy site.

Arab News toured the area of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to hear pilgrims’ sentiments and get a feel of what it is like for them to be in this sacred city.

Pakistani pilgrim Nowaid Azmat spoke to Arab News from the Jabal Rumah: “It’s the first time that I have come to perform Haj with my family,” he said. He added that he was lucky to visit Madinah and being able to go to the Islamic historical sites of the prophet’s battles. “I went to the famous site of Uhud and recalled the great battle between the Muslims and non-believers for the spread of Islam,” he said.

He said that he had read a lot about the battle but this was the first time for him to actually stand at the Jabal Rumah. “I am honored to stand in this sacred spot where the most important of battles took place,” he said, adding “it’s simply a great feeling to be here.”

Azmat’s family also applauded the services provided to the pilgrims and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. “We have been noticing the quality of services since we arrived in Saudi Arabia and are amazed by the smooth and organized system at the airport,” Azmat said.

The Haj cost him 200 thousand Pakistani rupees but the prices vary with different packages.

He lauded the attempts to expand the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah saying that the future pilgrimages would be even more comfortable owing to the expansion. He ended his speech with a prayer: “I deeply hope and pray for the safety of the Kingdom as well as for the safety of Pakistan, especially in light of the thousands of Pakistanis who are suffering from the devastating floods,” he said.