Lucknow, Dec 15: Muslims who performed the Haj have said they prayed for the country''s security in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Amausi Airport here to greet their relatives as the first batch of Haj pilgrims returned home on Sunday.

"We prayed to Almighty that we be blessed with wisdom. I also prayed that the image of Islam must not be tarnished. I never dreamed of performing such a great ritual. There were more than eight million pilgrims forming a sea of humanity," said Moin Ahmad, a Haj pilgrim.

Mubarak Ali Khan, another Haj pilgrim, said: "I prayed hard for India. I prayed that the dignity and security of my country must be maintained. Besides this, I had also prayed that the Almighty must shower blessings on all our countrymen so that we can prosper by leaps and bounds."

The Haj is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, which occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah. (ANI)