First Pilgrims Fly from Osh to Medina for Hajj

The spiritual journey for the first contingent of Kyrgyz pilgrims embarking on the Hajj has officially begun. On May 10, 2026, a group of 180 devoted individuals departed from Osh International Airport, bound for the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The send-off ceremony was a significant occasion, attended by key figures who offered their blessings and support. Representatives from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK), led by Grand Mufti Abdulaziz karii Zakirov, were present, alongside His Excellency Iyad bin Ghazi Hakim, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Kyrgyzstan. Religious leaders and group coordinators also joined in bidding farewell to the pilgrims.

During the ceremony, prayers were offered for the pilgrims' safe travels and the acceptance of their Hajj. Grand Mufti Zakirov delivered words of guidance, emphasizing the importance of utilizing their time in the holy land effectively. He urged the future Hajjis to perform their rituals in strict accordance with Sharia law, to exercise patience, and to heed the instructions of their group leaders, acknowledging that the Hajj involves inherent challenges.

Ambassador Hakim echoed these sentiments, wishing the pilgrims an accepted Hajj and encouraging them to pray for the entire Muslim Ummah. This departure marks the beginning of a sacred obligation for these Kyrgyz citizens, a journey of faith and devotion that holds profound significance in their lives and for the Muslim community in Kyrgyzstan.