MINA: Friday was the first day when pilgrims go to Jamrat to stone pillars symbolizing Satan. There are three in total, but on the first day Hajis focus on the largest one. On the whole it was another boiling day although this time there was a bit of rain thrown into the mix, not that it deterred the pilgrims who were determined to hit Satan where it hurts. The grey Jamrat Bridge itself is a rather impressive structure, even if it looks a little at odds with the mountains and white tents dotting the landscape. It continues to expand, and this year the Haj Ministry managed to add another level, making it an impressive five stories high.
Before reaching the Jamrat the motorcycle carrying Arab News was weaving through crowds of Hajis in the streets of Mina. A brief stop was made to take photographs of a group of men shaving their heads, which is one of the requirements of fulfilling the pilgrimage. One of them, 33-year-old Sheeth, was waiting for his friend to cut his hair. He told Arab News that this was the fifth time he was performing Haj and the experience kept on getting better and better. “Yes it (the bridge) was overcrowded. Too many people, but I’m happy to have performed Haj again. By the grace of Allah my Haj is going very well,” he told Arab News.
With Sheeth’s warning at the back of Arab News’ mind, the motorcycle continued onward toward the bridge. Surprisingly however, the top floor seemed rather empty, and pilgrims were able to throw stones at the Satan without having to contend with large crowds, as is usually the case. As with other days, the groups of people gathering round the tall pillar were multicultural, young and old, able-bodied and disabled.
One Haji that probably epitomized most of these categories was Nigerian pilgrim Sumar. An elderly man who needs a wheelchair to move around, he told Arab News in broken English that he was feeling good after throwing his stones. “Allah has looked after me since I arrived in Saudi Arabia.”
On the other side of the age spectrum were the young children, many of who had come from afar with their parents to perform Haj. Ahmed Kamal of Pakistan was clearly a loving father who was balancing daughter Raya on his shoulders as she threw her quota of stones. He said the pilgrimage had been very safe for children and, despite her tender years, his little girl had learned from the experience, preparing her for when she inevitably performs Haj later in her life.
Fifteen-year-old Ahmed from Egypt first performed Haj when he was only 10. This is his second trip to the holy sites. “I am feeling very happy that I’ve managed to come again to perform Haj. Even though I was only a child when I last came, now I feel like more of a man,” he told Arab News.
Ruqaya, 5, is another child on her first Haj. Also from Egypt, she said she found the Kaaba magical. “I’m loving Haj by the grace of Allah.” Parents Hamid and Rasha, who were also on their first pilgrimage, said they had prepared Ruqaya by telling her what to expect and how hard it could be. “Now, when she’s older, she will know what to expect,” said Hamid.
It was not just the children that seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere at the Jamrat. Groups of jovial young women walked around the area after they had finished their stoning. Egyptian pilgrim Yasmin, 26, told Arab News that her first Haj had been so far so good. “I am very happy about stoning the Satan. I am looking forward to coming back and doing it again tomorrow.”
