Among the pilgrims, 62 traveled aboard a RwandAir flight, while the remaining 10 traveled separately after receiving tickets from the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
Performing Hajj is considered a religious obligation for every Muslim who is financially able to undertake the journey. The pilgrimage costs around $7,800 per person and represents the fifth pillar of Islam.
The other pillars include believing in one God and that Prophet Mohammed is His messenger, praying five times a day, giving charity, and observing the holy month of Ramadan through fasting.
Before departure, the pilgrims — both men and women — were encouraged to respect all rituals associated with the pilgrimage and remain committed to prayer throughout the journey.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, urged the pilgrims to pray for Rwanda’s continued peace and development.
“Stay united, pray for the country so it continues to enjoy security and progress, pray for the nation’s leaders, and also remember those who have not yet had the opportunity to go to Mecca so they may one day make the pilgrimage as well,” he said.
Sheikh Sindayigaya also praised the role of RwandAir in making the journey easier for pilgrims.
He explained that before the partnership with the airline, travelers from Rwanda often had to transit through Dubai, spending long hours on connecting flights and waiting at airports, with total travel time sometimes reaching 15 hours.
“Now the journey takes only about three and a half hours. There is less fatigue, no risk of losing luggage, and no long delays because they travel directly to their destination,” he said.
One of the pilgrims, Wibabara Assouma, expressed excitement about fulfilling one of Islam’s key religious obligations.
“As God said, this is holy land. When you pray there with faith, there is hope that your prayers will be answered. Above all, you fulfill an important pillar of Islam, and you do not return spiritually the same way you left because your soul is purified,” she said.
Over the past three years, since RwandAir began working with the Muslim community in Rwanda, the airline has transported 227 pilgrims to Mecca, including this year’s group of 62 travelers.
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