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More than two million Muslims begin hajj pilgrimage
MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Aug 19, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – More than two million
Muslims from around the globe on Sunday started the hajj pilgrimage at
Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest annual
gatherings.
The ultra-conservative kingdom, which is undergoing dramatic social and
economic reforms, has mobilised vast resources for the six-day journey, one
of the five pillars of Islam.
“It’s the dream of every Muslim to come here to Mecca,” Frenchman Soliman
Ben Mohri said.
“It’s the ultimate journey. What worries me is the return to my normal
life. For the moment, I am in a dream,” the 53-year old told AFP.
Every Muslim is required to complete the hajj at least once in their
lifetime if they have the means to do so.
Tens of thousands of security personnel have been deployed for the
pilgrimage, which was struck by its worst ever disaster three years ago when
around 2,300 worshippers were crushed to death in a stampede.
This year, the Saudis have launched a “smart hajj” initiative, with apps to
help pilgrims with everything from travel plans to medical care.
The interior ministry said on Saturday that the number of pilgrims arriving
in Mecca had already surpassed the two million mark, mostly from abroad
including large contingents from Egypt, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Most of the pilgrims began moving on Sunday from Mecca to the nearby Mina
valley where they will spend the night in fire-resistant tents.
Thousands of buses and vehicles carrying the pilgrims lined the eight
kilometre (five-mile) road from Mecca to Mina. Many pilgrims made the journey
walking under the scorching heat of the sun.
On Monday, pilgrims will climb nearby Mount Arafat for the climax of the
hajj, praying and reading the Koran.
The prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon from Mount Arafat to
Muslims who had accompanied him on his final hajj, according to Islam.
After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, half-way between Arafat and
Mina, where they stay at least until midnight.
They gather pebbles to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil on the eve
of the Eid al-Adha feast, which marks the end of hajj.
This year’s pilgrimage comes with the oil-flush kingdom witnessing
unprecedented change, including an end to a ban on women driving.
While rights campaigners have welcomed the reforms, they have also
expressed alarm about a crackdown on dissent.
Although the kingdom’s young de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, has spearheaded the changes, religion remains a key force in Saudi
Arabia.
BSS/AFP/MRI/1422 hrs