المملكة: From selling pies to entering the sanctuary, hosting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques fulfills the wish of a Sudanese need

It was not The Sudanese Need Aziza Koko expects the day to come when she will set foot in the purest places to perform the Hajj, after a long journey of suffering and hard work that spanned more than thirty years, which she spent selling pies in the Sudanese state of Kordofan to secure a living for her children, amidst difficult living conditions and limited capabilities.

For many years, Aziza used to wake up every day to light firewood and prepare simple pies that she sold for an income not exceeding a dollar. One a day, barely enough to provide the basic needs of life, while the dream of Hajj remained in her heart despite the difficulty of reality and the distress of the situation.

As she grew older, and her eyesight weakened as a result of the smoke rising from firewood on a daily basis, she was forced to stop working, because she thought that the dream of visiting the Sacred House of God had become unattainable, and that she might leave this world before she saw the Holy Kaaba.

But God’s care then Hosting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, within the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation, which is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, turned years of suffering into overwhelming joy, after they were chosen among the families of the martyrs of the Sudanese forces participating in Decisive Storm to perform Hajj this year.

And in a voice in which tears mixed with feelings of joy, Aziza spoke after her arrival in Mecca and performing the circumambulation, sa’i, and prayer in the Grand Mosque, saying: “I thought that I would die before I saw the Holy Kaaba, as my living conditions were very difficult, and I could not even afford the costs of transportation outside Kordofan, let alone Hajj, travel, and housing.”

She added: “When I was informed that I would be among the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, The Two Holy Mosques, I could not contain myself from the intensity of joy, and I thanked God very much, and I prayed for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for long life and success, because he granted me the greatest wish of my life.”

She praised the care and attention she found since her arrival in the Kingdom, stressing that the good reception, hospitality and integrated organization she saw brought happiness and reassurance to her heart, and she said: “Since we arrived, we have found every care, comfort and attention, and I have never felt such happiness in my entire life.”

At the conclusion of her speech, Aziza extended her invitations to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, appreciating the great efforts they are making in serving the guests of God. And taking care of pilgrims from various countries of the world, asking God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince, and to perpetuate the Kingdom’s security and prosperity.