A 70-year-old pilgrim from Uruguay has made headlines for fulfilling his lifelong dream of performing Hajj, two decades after converting to Islam.
The elderly pilgrim, whose identity was not disclosed, arrived in Makkah as part of the over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. His journey marks a deeply emotional milestone, coming 20 years after embracing Islam in the South American nation where Muslims are a religious minority.
Speaking to local media through a translator, the pilgrim expressed profound gratitude for being able to visit the Holy City and perform the fifth pillar of Islam despite age and distance.
“This is the most sacred moment of my life. For years, I prayed to be here. Now Allah has answered my prayers,” he said, visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
Saudi authorities facilitating his pilgrimage noted that his story is a testament to the universal appeal of Islam and the diversity of the global Muslim community.
Hajj 2025 continues to witness pilgrims from across the world converging on the holy sites with tales of faith, endurance, and devotion. The Uruguayan pilgrim’s journey adds a unique chapter to this year’s spiritual gathering, inspiring others with his resilience and unwavering commitment to his faith.