Saudi Arabia receives first batch of pilgrims to attend Hajj exercise

The first batch of pilgrims from all over the world especially Somalia to attend this year’s Hajj exercise reached Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Senior officials from the ministry of Hajj and civil authority welcomed the pilgrims at the airport.

A freelance journalist in Saudi Arabia told Goobjoog FM through telephone conversation that flights carrying pilgrims reach the bigger cities every hour.

This year’s pilgrimage comes a time when flights from  many West African  countries was suspended due to the spread of Ebola virus.

The pilgrimage takes place from 8^th to 12^th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of Islamic calendar.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious duty which must be carried out at least once by every Muslim who is financially capable.