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JEDDAH: Ahmed Tamim, 98, is fulfilling a lifelong dream of performing Hajj this year.

Tamim is a native of Egypt’s Sohag governorate, located on the west bank of the Nile, and is one of the oldest pilgrims on this year’s Hajj.

He arrived in Madinah on May 18 accompanied by his son, to embark on the sacred journey that is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to complete it.

They are among 13,062 Egyptian pilgrims who were selected through the annual lottery to perform the pilgrimage this year.

His son Muhammed told Arab News: “It all started with a phone call from my friends who said the Hajj lottery is open, aren’t you going to apply for your father?

“I tried to contact the lottery mission, and they told me tomorrow is the last day (and) anyone who hasn’t applied can still apply.

“At the time, we hadn’t applied, but after that call, I decided to apply for my father, and thank God, his name was added to the reserve list due to his advanced age.”

He added: “Every year he used to wish to perform Hajj or Umrah. This time, when he found out his name was called after all these years, his eyes filled with tears and he reacted with happiness, he couldn’t believe it.”

Muhammed said his father is insisting on performing all the rituals unaided despite his difficulties in walking and hearing.

“He always (said) ‘this is an opportunity Allah has chosen me, and I want to experience it to the fullest.’”

Muhammad added: “Everyone in Sohag is happy for my father, because he’s not only the oldest pilgrim, but he’s a very respected religious person in the governorate.

“May Allah accept his Hajj and we are all so glad that he finally made Hajj.”

RIYADH: A Saudi resident has been jailed for a year for setting up an illegal Hajj operation with the intention of obtaining funds through deception via social media.

The public prosecution referred the defendant to the criminal court after he was found in possession of receipts connecting him to the criminal operation.

A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine, along with the confiscation of all devices and tools used in the crime.

The public prosecution said the creation of fake Hajj operations was a major crime punishable by detention and added that it would continue to pursue those who broke Hajj regulations.

Meanwhile, Hajj security forces arrested 36 residents who tried to enter Makkah without the correct permits. They were referred to the relevant authority.