Arab News just published an article documenting the beginning of the current Hajj. An expected 2.5 million pilgrims are converging on Mount Arafat today. The tent city of Mina was flooded with pilgrims yesterday. They were all on their way to Mount Arafat. This has been described as one of the best organized pilgrimages ever. Mina, accustomed to this flood, has redesigned their system of organizing traffic. In previous years, the pilgrimage was marked by terrible traffic jams, however, this year Mina was prepared. It took a huge effort by the police to organize this pilgrimage. And so far, it looks like they have done a great job. This tiny town, which on Sunday was virtually a ghost town, is now swamped by millions of people. Previous pilgrimages have also been marked by stampedes, this year however has been organized to prevent this mayhem. Iranian President Ahmadinejad arrived to perform the Hajj as a guest. He himself invited 1000 foreign dignitaries to celebrate with him. Hopefully this sets the stage for a peaceful Hajj for all pilgrims.
December 18, 2007...8:44 am
The Move to Mount Arafat (David)
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