Africa-Press – Rwanda. After transporting over 2,000 Muslim pilgrims directly from Benin to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, the national carrier RwandAir also transported pilgrims from Rwanda on Tuesday, May 27.
Hajj is a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim.
It is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah (the declaration of faith in Allah and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and Sawm (fasting during Ramadan).
Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
In the Islamic faith, the annual pilgrimage earns a man the title of Hajj, while a woman is referred to as Hajjat.
On Tuesday, 70 Muslim pilgrims from Rwanda including 15 foreign residents living in Rwanda departed from Kigali. Another eight pilgrims will depart on Thursday.
Issa Byarugaba, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary at RwandAir, explained that Muslim pilgrims from Benin opted for RwandAir chartered flights to Mecca for Hajj 2025, following the successful direct flight of Rwandan pilgrims in 2024.
“This is the second time we are transporting Rwandan Muslims directly to Mecca from Kigali and it is the first time we are transporting Muslims from Benin directly to the holy city,” Byarugaba said.
“It took us eight days to transport all the pilgrims from Benin, with the final flight which took place on Monday, May 26. We will also fly them back directly to Benin. It is commendable to see other countries choosing RwandAir for chartered flights for Hajj in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Historically, Rwandan pilgrims travelling from Kigali faced significant logistical challenges on their way to Mecca, often involving multiple layovers in cities such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dubai due to the lack of direct flights to Saudi Arabia.
“They would depart from Kigali, stop in Dubai and spend a night there, and then take another plane to Mecca,” Byarugaba noted.
Now, direct flights take approximately three and a half hours, compared to previous journeys that could last more than a day.
While addressing them before boarding RwandAir’s plane, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, reminded them to represent Rwanda with dignity and uphold national values.
Through this partnership, pilgrims can now fly directly from Kigali to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s main international airport for pilgrims.
From Jeddah airport they join other pilgrims in Mecca and Medina which are the two holy cities where the Hajj rituals take place.
Moreover, the return journey has also been streamlined, with flights operating from Medina back to Kigali, thereby improving the overall pilgrimage experience.
In addition to improved transportation, accommodation has also been a focus this year. In the past, pilgrims often had to stay in hotels located far from the holy sites, requiring long walks under difficult conditions.
This year, the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) has secured accommodation within 700 metres of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
“The distance to the mosque is now walkable, allowing pilgrims to perform their prayers and rituals with greater ease,” said Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya.
He also confirmed that a medical doctor would accompany the group of pilgrims, ensuring their health and providing first aid throughout the pilgrimage.
“We have appointed a team to assess what went wrong and where improvements are needed during the journey and stay of the pilgrims,” he added.
Urged to pray for Rwanda
Mufti Sindayigaya urged Rwandan Muslim pilgrims to pray for their country while in Mecca.
“We have urged the Muslim pilgrims to pray for Rwanda and its leaders. The country has done a lot to make it possible for Muslim pilgrims to benefit from the chartered flight to Saudi Arabia. Pray for Rwanda in the face of threats from different corners. Pray for development in Rwanda,” he said.
Muhammed Khattab, one of the pilgrims travelling to Mecca and the Country Director of Direct Aid in Kiyovu, reflected on the significance he places on the occasion.
“One of the pillars of Islam is to visit Mecca. It is a deeply important journey for a Muslim. While it is not mandatory for everyone, it becomes obligatory for those who are financially and physically able to undertake. I am excited about undertaking my first journey to Mecca after waiting since 2022,” he said.
Mussa Ndemeye, 37, a resident of Kicukiro District, shared his personal insights on the spiritual value of the holy pilgrimage.
“The importance we attach to this holy pilgrimage stems from its place among the five pillars of Islam. When you commit to making the pilgrimage to Mecca, you are fulfilling one of these pillars.”
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