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Pilgrims Back Safe and Sound
The first group of this year's Chinese pilgrims returned to Beijing after completing a journey to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
"We are glad that they have completed their pilgrimage and returned home safe and sound," said Muhammed Sayed Ma Yunfu, vice-president of the China Islamic Association.
Among the pilgrims who returned yesterday were more than 100 from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, who went on the pilgrimage as guests of the king of Saudi Arabia, and more than 200 self-sponsored Muslims from across China.
According to a spokesman with the China Islamic Association, this year more than 3,600 Chinese Muslims went to Mecca, fulfilling the loftiest task of their religious lives. All should have returned by Monday.
"Muslims from other countries were very friendly towards us,'' said Shaddik Khalajh, of the Aitikaqizhinci Mosque in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. "Our presence in Mecca has made many Muslims get a better understanding of Chinese Muslims.''
Source: China Daily
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