Pilgrimage in the past holds unforgettable memories for the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah, along with the hardships they endured due to the absence of transportation, the lack of modern technology, no cars, no mobile phones, and no digital navigation tools.
In earlier times, fathers and grandfathers would travel on camels—the ships of the desert—from all corners of the land to perform the Hajj.
My father, Sultan—may Allah have mercy on him— told me that their journey by camel from the northern region of the Kingdom to the Holy House of Allah in Makkah would take around fifteen days, and the return trip the same—nearly a full month for the round journey.
He also told me that he performed Hajj during the reign of King Saud—may Allah rest his soul. After arriving at the Sacred Mosque near the Kaaba, he and a group of pilgrims were sitting together when King Saud approached them, dismounted from his camel, and came to where they were seated. The King was personally checking on the pilgrims and ensuring their well‑being. They were honored to greet him and shake his noble hand. King Saud drank coffee with them and instructed his men to provide anything the pilgrims might need.
As they sat with Abu Al‑Khayrayn (King Saud’s well‑known title), they saw in him every quality of goodness toward the nation and its people—his humility, generosity, warmth, and smile. May Allah forgive him and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise.
Writer: Abdullah Sultan
Source: Shu‘bat Nisab News Website