One hundred and fifty pilgrims from Russia are performing their pilgrimage on the sacred lands of Muslims as part of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation's (RBM) charity program "Hajj Karim". Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, Deputy Chairman of the RBM for International Affairs and Hajj, who is also present in the Holy Lands, addressed the participants of "Hajj Karim" with greetings and prayers on behalf of the spiritual leader of Russia's Muslims, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

Mufti Rushan Abbyasov spoke about the spiritual significance and profound meanings of the Hajj rituals. Particular attention was given to the Day of Arafah — the culmination of the great pilgrimage, which this year falls on May 26. He urged fellow believers to use their time on these blessed lands to offer prayers for the well-being, prosperity and victory of Russia, for an end to wars and conflicts throughout the world, for our defenders on the front lines, for the healing of the afflicted, as well as for those thanks to whom believers have been given the opportunity to perform Hajj under the charity quota — Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and benefactor Suleyman Abusaidovich Kerimov.

The "Hajj Karim 2026" campaign involves representatives from 65 regions. Among those performing Hajj are religious figures, elders, activists of Muslim organizations, and doctors. Veterans of the Special Military Operation and family members of SMO participants are also undertaking the pilgrimage.

Islam Kozhevnikov, Deputy Head of the Department of International Affairs, is accompanying and supervising the "Hajj Karim" pilgrim groups. Currently, the RBM pilgrims have already visited significant historical and memorial sites of Islam in Medina, moved to Mecca, performed Umrah, and are now preparing to perform the Hajj rituals.

It is noteworthy that since last year, Russian pilgrims have been traveling to the Holy Sites via a direct flight from Moscow to Medina, where their pilgrimage journey begins. The return flight home will also be direct — from Jeddah to Moscow.