Turkish pilgrims are yearning for the holy places in Makkah

By Sa'ad Abdul Majid, IOL Correspondent

ISTANBUL, January 7 (IslamOnline.net) – Amid heavy snowfalls and below-zero temperatures, Turkey bade its first group of Muslim pilgrims heading for Makkah farewell Tuesday, January 6.

The 300-strong group was also given a formal goodbye by Istanbul governor, Muamar Golar, for the first time ever.

Golar said his presence helps endorse national unity and shows that Turkey really cares about all its nationals.

The airport's departure lounge was chock-full as the pilgrims' next of kin and loved ones came in droves, with snow melting away by warm-hearted feelings.

Sidik Qalnish, 30, told IslamOnline.net that he jumped for joy learning he was chosen by lot to make the holy journey.

"I pray that it will be safe," he said. "I hope that Allah will reward every Muslim with hajj."

Ielk Nour, a 28-year-old housewife, said she did not expect to be chosen among thousands.

"I am over the moon with this long-awaited and much-hoped wish," she told IOL.

"I am longing to see Ka'bah and visit the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."

Some 70,000 Turks are expected to perform hajj this year in coordination with Saudi Arabia allowing one percent of the population of each Muslim country to perform hajj every year.

The hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligation for able-bodied Muslims who can afford it at least once in a lifetime.