Uruguayan Pilgrim Luis Abi Rachid Takes First Flight To Makkah After Embracing Islam

Luis Abi Rachid, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Uruguay, embarked on his first-ever flight to Saudi Arabia this year. He was a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation. This journey marked the fulfilment of his lifelong dream to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

His selection for the program, managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, brought him immense joy. "I arrived in the holy land with indescribable feelings," he shared. "I was on my way to perform Umrah and see the Holy Kaaba for the first time in my life, after only seeing it on television. My heart overflowed with longing for this sacred place."

Abi Rachid's journey to Islam began two decades ago when a Muslim friend introduced him to the faith over three months. During this period, he learned about the Holy Quran and prayer practices, eventually embracing Islam as his true religion. Since then, he has deepened his understanding and longed to visit the Holy Kaaba.

"I declared my Islam without ever expecting that I would embrace the faith, as I had never considered it," he said. "But Allah Almighty guided me and brought me from darkness into spiritual clarity. I felt a peace and inner security I had never known."

Abi Rachid expressed profound gratitude towards Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He appreciated their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. He prayed for continued growth and prosperity for Saudi Arabia under their leadership.

"Hajj is a dream, especially for new Muslims," Abi Rachid noted. "When I was selected for the program, I felt a joy beyond words. All praise is due to Allah Almighty, and then to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for turning my dream—and the dreams of many Muslims around the world—into reality."

He described Islam as a religion of balance and moderation, free from extremism or rigidity. His newfound faith brought him peace and inner security previously unknown to him. "Islam is a religion of balance, moderation, and tranquility—free from excess, extremism, or rigidity," he stated.

With inputs from SPA