Zamzam water, prayer mats form bulk of gift items being bought by pilgrims

MAKKAH: Pilgrims returning home are always keen on buying presents and gifts at the end of their journey which are closely linked with the history of Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque.
These gifts include books, clothes, prayer mats, dates and bottles of Zamzam water.
Pilgrims usually show more interest in buying items which are not available in general markets. For instant, many of them buy winter clothes sold by Russian pilgrims.
Abdul Rahman, a pilgrim says: “Some of us buy toys and electronic devices from these vendors because they are of good quality and are affordable too.”
Abdul Majeed Younes, a Tunisian pilgrim, says he buys gift items from the shops surrounding the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
“My children and relatives back home have asked me to bring souvenirs. I would prefer to buy these from the holy cities,” he said, adding that he prefers to buy posters of the Two Holy Mosques.
“I will buy Saudi dates, especially the dates of Madinah. I will also buy some oriental perfumes, beads, rings and bottles of Zamzam water,” he added.
Salah Hasanain, another pilgrim, said: “I will buy gold and luxurious perfumes for my wife, silk fabrics for my daughters, and wristwatches and electronic games for by son.
“As for my father, I will buy a collection of perfumes, a copy of the Holy Qur’an and a costly prayer mat. My mother will get beads, rings and perfumes while other relatives will have bottles of Zamzam water,” he added.