Sierra Leonean Pilgrims Conclude 2025 Hajj with Final Departure from Saudi Arabia

By Alhaji Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The final homeward-bound journey of Sierra Leonean pilgrims who participated in the 1446/2025 Hajj officially began today, as 283 pilgrims comprising the second and final batch departed the Hajj and Umrah Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 11:45 a.m. Saudi time. Their flight is expected to arrive at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi at approximately 4:00 p.m. local time.

This milestone marks the end of a spiritually uplifting and logistically successful Hajj for Sierra Leone’s Muslim community, coordinated under the joint leadership of the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Riyadh, the Presidential Hajj Taskforce, and the Sierra Leone Nationals Union in Saudi Arabia.

A Moment of Fulfillment and Joy

Following days of worship in Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, pilgrims were visibly joyful as they prepared to return home. Many shared personal stories of spiritual transformation, resilience, and gratitude.

Among those departing was Haja Ramatulie Barrie, who described the Hajj as the “journey of a lifetime.”

“It was not just a religious obligation—it was a spiritual awakening. We prayed not just for ourselves but for the peace, unity, and prosperity of our beloved Sierra Leone,” she said tearfully.

Haja Fatmata Koroma, another returning pilgrim, expressed gratitude to her children who sponsored her trip.

“I thank my children for their sacrifice. I will carry the blessings of this Hajj with me forever.”

For many elderly pilgrims, this was their first time traveling outside Sierra Leone, and the experience—both spiritually and culturally—was deeply moving.

Diplomatic and Organizational Coordination Praised

The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role throughout the Hajj period, offering diplomatic and logistical support. The Deputy Ambassador, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Turay, led the coordination efforts on the ground, working around the clock to ensure the well-being and comfort of the pilgrims.

“We thank Allah for guiding and protecting our pilgrims throughout this sacred journey,” Deputy Ambassador Turay said. “This success reflects the efforts of multiple stakeholders, including the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who continue to prioritize religious affairs and support for our citizens abroad.”

Taskforce Chairman Highlights Reform Agenda

The Chairman of the Presidential Hajj Taskforce, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, expressed satisfaction with the overall execution of this year’s pilgrimage operations. He highlighted substantial improvements in coordination, accommodation, medical support, and welfare services, noting that many long-standing logistical issues had been addressed.

“This year’s Hajj has shown us what we can achieve with proper planning, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose,” Alhaji Sesay stated. “We will now focus on restructuring the Hajj Taskforce, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that future pilgrimages are even more organized, accessible, and spiritually enriching.”

The Numbers: 2,100 Sierra Leonean Pilgrims in Total

This year, Sierra Leone was represented by a delegation of 2,100 pilgrims, which included:

• 600 home-based pilgrims—selected and prepared through national Hajj coordination systems,
• 1,400 diaspora pilgrims, who traveled from various countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and neighboring West African nations, and
• 100 special pilgrims, honored as guests of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This record turnout reflects both growing demand and improved capacity within the country’s religious affairs infrastructure.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Throughout the pilgrimage, pilgrims were supported with health services, guidance from religious scholars, food distribution, and translation assistance. Medical teams were deployed to assist elderly pilgrims, and cultural briefings were provided to help first-time travelers navigate the sacred rituals.

As part of its post-Hajj agenda, the Taskforce plans to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and community debrief, gathering feedback from pilgrims and religious leaders. The goal is to ensure continual improvement in pilgrimage preparation, selection processes, visa facilitation, and in-country orientation.

Spiritual Reflections and National Unity

Pilgrims offered collective prayers for Sierra Leone, including supplications for national peace, economic recovery, good governance, and an end to poverty. Many pledged to become ambassadors of unity and moral guidance upon their return.

“This pilgrimage reminded us that we are not just Sierra Leoneans—we are members of a global Islamic community,” said Sheikh Ibrahim Conteh, an Islamic scholar who accompanied the delegation. “It is now our responsibility to take what we have learned and use it to uplift our families, our communities, and our nation.”

A Legacy of Service and Faith

The conclusion of the 2025 Hajj for Sierra Leonean pilgrims is more than a logistical achievement; it is a powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished through shared vision, faith, and cooperation. With strengthened diplomatic engagement, a committed taskforce, and a supportive government, Sierra Leone continues to raise the bar in delivering safe and spiritually rewarding pilgrimages for its Muslim citizens.

As the final group touches down on home soil today, the message is clear: the Hajj may have ended, but the journey of spiritual renewal, national prayer, and moral upliftment continues.