Pilgrims on their way home after successfully completing the Haj are often sad at leaving the Kingdom having a fulfilling spiritual experience in the two holy cities and holy sites. Many of them buy souvenirs to remind them of their journey of a lifetime.

Arab News recently met a group of Indonesian pilgrims in a market near the Prophet’s Mosque to record their experiences of their stay in the Kingdom. With the help of a translator, the Indonesian pilgrims expressed their feelings and impressions of their visit to the holy sites and Haj services in general.

Siraj Nour said: “I am overwhelmed with having completed the Haj successfully and appreciate all the services in place to facilitate the rituals so smoothly.”

He said he was impressed by the large-scale projects in the Two Holy Mosques being implemented by the Saudi government, in addition to the services being provided to visitors to the holy shrines.

Mohamed Zain, another Indonesian pilgrim, said that the Indonesian people held the Kingdom in high regard for its being the land of revelations and the cradle of Islam, adding that they had performed Haj with ease thanks to the generous services provided by the Saudi government.

“As we prepare to go home, we thought to buy some gifts for our relatives such as perfumes, rosaries, precious stones, silver rings, the famous Madinah dates and Zamzam water,” said Haji Mohamed Zain hoping that he will come back to the Kingdom to perform Haj with his family.

Likewise, Abdulraziq said he felt comfortable and had peace of mind in Madinah, especially in the Prophet’s Mosque and wished he didn’t have to leave the mosque. He said that he was also impressed by the beautiful streets, markets and luxurious hotels in Madinah.

He pointed out the rich Islamic antiquities in Madinah and the historical mosques which stand in testament to the Islamic faith over the centuries.