The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' hosting fulfills the dream of a Sudanese pilgrim after 30 years
In an inspiring story embodying the highest ideals of humanity and compassion, Sudanese pilgrim Aziza Koko never imagined that the day would come when she would set foot in the holiest of places to perform Hajj. After a long journey of hardship and arduous work, the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to be a turning point in her life, transforming her seemingly impossible dream into a tangible reality in the blessed city of Mecca.
A three-decade-long struggle in Kordofan
For over thirty years, Aziza lived in Sudan's Kordofan state amidst extremely difficult living conditions and limited resources. Every dawn, she would wake up to light a fire and bake simple pastries, which she would sell for a daily income of no more than one dollar. This meager sum was barely enough to secure food and provide for her children's basic needs. As she grew older, her eyesight deteriorated significantly due to the daily smoke from the firewood, eventually forcing her to stop working. In those difficult moments, Aziza thought her dream of visiting the Holy Kaaba had vanished, and that she might depart this world before her eyes could behold the sacred Kaaba.
A pioneering humanitarian initiative: The history of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques hosting the guests of God
Divine providence did not leave Aziza's heart in despair, as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, came to lift her from her grief. She was chosen, along with other relatives of Sudanese martyrs who participated in Operation Decisive Storm, to perform Hajj this year. This selection comes as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. Historically, this program is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's decades-long efforts to serve Islam and Muslims. The program was established to provide a golden opportunity for thousands of Muslims from around the world to perform the Hajj rituals at the state's expense, with special attention given to the families of martyrs and the wounded in recognition of their noble sacrifices in defending the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations.
Regional and international influences strengthen Islamic solidarity
The significance of this pioneering program extends beyond the individual dimension of fulfilling pilgrims' wishes; it encompasses profound regional and international dimensions. Regionally, these initiatives contribute to strengthening the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sudan, and reaffirm the Kingdom's unwavering support for the brotherly Sudanese people in all circumstances. Internationally, the program reflects the Kingdom's leading role as the heart of the Islamic world and highlights its noble mission of promoting the values of tolerance, mutual support, and solidarity among the peoples of the Muslim Ummah, thus enhancing its diplomatic and spiritual standing globally.
Tears of joy and sincere prayers for the leadership of the Kingdom
With a voice choked with tears and overwhelming joy, Hajja Aziza spoke after arriving in Mecca and performing the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, saying, "I thought I would die before seeing the Holy Kaaba. My living conditions were very difficult; I couldn't even afford transportation outside of Kordofan, let alone the Hajj, travel, and accommodation." She added that when she was informed of her selection for the program, she was overcome with happiness and thanked God profusely. Aziza praised the exceptional care and attention she received from the moment she arrived in the Kingdom, emphasizing that the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and comprehensive organization filled her heart with happiness and peace. In closing, she raised her hands in supplication, praying for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people, appreciating the tremendous efforts made in serving the pilgrims, and asking God Almighty to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince, and to grant the Kingdom continued security, safety, and prosperity.
