Farasan: Elderly residents of the Farasan Islands still preserve vivid memories of historic Hajj journeys that began long before departure. Families prepared provisions and arranged matters for their absence before travelers gathered along the shore carrying little luggage but abundant prayers. Pilgrims boarded sailing vessels that crossed the Red Sea northward on voyages lasting many days until reaching Jeddah Islamic Port, before continuing onward to Makkah.

According to Saudi Press Agency, among the memories deeply rooted in the islands' collective memory, elderly resident Abkar Omar Al-Mashraei recalls the journeys as long spiritual voyages in which pilgrims traveled with patience and faith. They faced the hardships of the sea and the lengthy route with contentment and certainty, driven by immense longing for the Holy Kaaba.

Al-Mashraei recalled details of journeys dating back decades, when pilgrims from Farasan traveled aboard sailing ships toward Jeddah on sea voyages that could last nearly two weeks. The vessels moved slowly across the water, pushed at times by the wind and slowed at others by calm seas.

The journeys were largely limited to men because of the hardships and long distances involved during a time when travel was far less accessible than it is today. Speaking about Hajj journeys in the past, Al-Mashraei said preparations were not limited to gathering provisions. They also included farewells to relatives and neighbors and seeking reconciliation before departure in anticipation of a prolonged absence.

Travelers carried whatever food and water they could and shared supplies throughout the long sea voyage. They endured changing sea conditions with patience and prayers, while their longing for Makkah eased the burden of hardship. Historic Hajj journeys remain in the memory of Farasan residents as stories of yearning for Makkah and the holy sites, marked by deep faith and patience. They also stand as testimony to the transformation of Hajj travel from hardship to ease and comfort.