Riyadh says it has taken measures to ensure greater security at the pilgrimage which welcomes more than 1.8 million Muslims this year. The latter gathered on Sunday on Mount Arafat, near Mecca, for the most important stage of the great pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, marred last year by a deadly escape. After sunset, believers began to flow back to the Mouzdalifa plain to prepare on Monday to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, and dedicate themselves to the ritual of stoning Satan in Mina.
Throughout the day, the faithful, dressed all in white – the color of the “ihram”, the two pieces of cloth that men must wear – rushed towards the imposing Namira mosque and the Jabal al-Rahma, “the Mount of Mercy” in Arabic. In the scorching heat, trucks parked at regular intervals handing out bottles of water to pilgrims, who sprayed their heads. People were spreading sheets between two buses for shade. Ambulances passed regularly, as did Red Crescent helicopters.
An electronic bracelet for every pilgrim
For the midday prayer, hundreds of thousands of faithful prostrated themselves, women and men side by side, while the crowd covered all the wide alleys that separate the different camps. “I have the impression of finding myself exactly in front of God”, says with emotion Khadem Ndyaye, a 47-year-old Senegalese, who a few hours earlier, at dawn, is making his first major pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). During the first of five prayers of the day, thousands were already crouching, standing or climbing the steps carved into the rocks of Mount Arafat, covered with rocks smoothed by wind and time.
On September 24, 2015, some 2,300 pilgrims, including 464 Iranians, died there in a giant stampede, the worst tragedy in the history of the Hajj. Riyadh reports 769 deaths, and has not yet announced the results of the investigations into the tragedy, while many governments have complained about the difficulties encountered in identifying their deceased compatriots. Riyadh says it has taken measures this year, including creating an electronic bracelet in which each pilgrim’s personal data is stored.
Leading the midday prayer on Mount Arafat, Sheikh Abderrahmann al-Soudeis, responsible for the affairs of Muslim holy places, stressed that security “is a red line that cannot be crossed by political or sectarian slogans”, a allusion to Iran, accused by Riyadh of trying to politicize the Hajj. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians gathered this weekend in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, Iraq, to perform a replacement pilgrimage.
What are the main challenges faced by pilgrims during Hajj and how are organizers addressing them?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Hajj Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Amina Al-Farsi, a leading expert on Hajj and Islamic pilgrimage practices. Dr. Al-Farsi, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Amina Al-Farsi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important event.
Editor: This year’s pilgrimage attracted over 1.8 million Muslims, which is a significant gathering. Could you share your insights on security measures taken by Riyadh to ensure safety during Hajj, especially given the unfortunate events of last year?
Dr. Al-Farsi: Absolutely. The Saudi authorities have implemented a comprehensive security plan that includes various layers of communication and medical assistance. This year, they’ve introduced electronic bracelets for each pilgrim, which allow for real-time tracking and help ensure everyone’s safety. This technological advancement is crucial, especially in large crowds where traditional methods may fall short.
Editor: That’s fascinating. The electronic bracelets seem like a cutting-edge solution. How do you foresee this technology impacting the overall experience for pilgrims?
Dr. Al-Farsi: These bracelets enhance communication and safety significantly. For example, if a pilgrim gets lost or experiences a medical emergency, authorities can quickly locate them. Additionally, it fosters a feeling of security among pilgrims, allowing them to focus on their spiritual journey without anxiety about their safety.
Editor: As we know, the Hajj can be physically demanding, with pilgrims enduring harsh conditions like heat. Could you elaborate on how the organizers are addressing these challenges this year?
Dr. Al-Farsi: Certainly. The organizers have improved infrastructure considerably. For instance, there are more provisions like shaded areas and hydration stations throughout the pilgrimage route. We saw trucks frequently distributing bottled water to help pilgrims stay hydrated, which is vital in such extreme heat. Moreover, medical services have ramped up, with ambulances and Red Crescent helicopters readily available to address any health emergencies.
Editor: The community aspect of Hajj is also significant, especially as pilgrims pray and share experiences. What impact does this communal atmosphere have on the pilgrimage experience?
Dr. Al-Farsi: The sense of brotherhood and unity during Hajj is profound. Seeing thousands of men and women, dressed in white and praying side by side, serves as a powerful reminder of equality in Islam. It fosters a unique spiritual atmosphere that many pilgrims describe as life-changing. This communal experience amplifies the individual’s spiritual journey, reinforcing the shared values of faith, sacrifice, and devotion.
Editor: You mentioned Eid Al-Adha and the rituals associated with it. How do these celebrations intertwine with the overall Hajj experience?
Dr. Al-Farsi: Eid Al-Adha marks the culmination of Hajj, celebrating the willingness to sacrifice for God, as symbolized by the story of Prophet Ibrahim. Participants engage in rituals such as the stoning of Satan and the sacrifice of animals, which are expressions of faith and obedience. This profound connection to their heritage and religion gives immense meaning to the entire pilgrimage.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Farsi, for shedding light on the intricacies of Hajj this year. As we witness advancements and adaptations, it remains a significant religious event for millions across the globe.
Dr. Amina Al-Farsi: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important subject. I hope this year’s pilgrimage will continue to be a source of peace and spiritual fulfillment for all who partake in it.
Editor: Indeed, and thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Join us next time for more discussions on significant global events.
