Okaz / Saudi Gazette

MINA — Two Pakistani pilgrims have set a real example of true friendship. Ejaz Dalali Ahmad and Ahmad Dalo Raj, both over 80 years old, decided to perform Haj together. They made a promise to one another decades ago that they would raise money together and go to Haj together. What make the lifetime journey all the more interesting is that Ahmed Dalo Raj is blind; he lost his sight many years ago.

When they finally made it to Makkah, the two friends showed the world that the bonds of friendship is so thick, that even at this age they disclosed that they could depend on each other — for Raj, who is totally blind, depended on his friend Ahmed for guidance and direction.

The two close friends from Pakistan waited for 25 years to come to the Haj together. Ahmed refused to do Haj alone and insisted that his longtime friend, Raj accompany him but the latter did not have enough money to meet the expenses of Haj.

"I always had enough money to meet Haj costs but my friend Raj did not. So I had to wait for him for about 25 years until he had collected sufficient funds needed for Haj," Ahmed said.

He said he was overjoyed and exultant when his friend told him that now he had the required amount of money so they could realize their dream of a quarter of a century of doing the fifth pillar of Islam together.

"My friend Raj is blind. We were together since our early childhood. We agreed to do the Haj together when we were both 55 years old but it took him about 25 years to save the amount of money needed for the Haj," Ahmed said.

"I always had the money which was enough for Haj but I waited for my friend until he had the sufficient amount. This only came true this year, following 25 of wait," he added.

Raj depended completely on Ahmed during his movements in Makkah and the holy sites. "Ahmed is the guide on whom I depend on going to the tent, the toilet, the Jamarat and other places," he said.

Raj said he could not thank Ahmed enough because he waited for him for a long time until he was able to save the Haj costs and also for guiding him during the Haj.

"Ahmed is my eyes by which I can see. He is the stick I am using to find my way. He is the power on which I lean. He has always been faithful and loyal friend to me," he said.

Raj said he could not thank his friend enough and does not know how to reward him for his good deeds. "I prayed for him during the Haj and will continue to pray for him for the rest of my life," he said.

Raj said: “Over 25 years have passed since Ejaz raised enough money to go to Haj alone but he did not go. He waited for me. I will always be indebted to him and will never forget what he has done for me.”