MINA, 19 January 2005 — They are in every pilgrim’s prayer. The pilgrims from Iraq are finding sympathy for their plight and the plight of their war-ravaged country.
Haj is a time when Muslims from all over the world come together and share the pain of their brethren. In previous years, pilgrims from Palestine, Chechnya and Kashmir were the focus of fellow pilgrims’ attention.
This year Iraqis — particularly pilgrims from Fallujah — are being hugged by everyone. Fellow pilgrims cry when they meet Fallujans and sympathize with them. They reassure them of Almighty God’s help.
And they all pray for their safety. Fifty-two-year-old Umm Muhammad from Fallujah was very bitter at what had happened to her city — and her family.
“I lost my husband and my son in the bombing that devastated most of Fallujah,” she said, weeping. “This pilgrimage is to seek paradise for my martyred family members. This is the least I can do for them.”
Abu Ahmad, 60, from Baghdad is here for the first time. He came by air. “It was very easy,” Ahmad said. “I thought it would be tough given the incessant bombing in and around Baghdad,” he said.
Abu Ahmad said he was lucky to be performing the Haj. “We were told to make a file with all the details and passport numbers and a chit with our name was put into a large drum. When they drew the lots and my name was announced, I could barely control my tears,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it — there were so many chits in the drum.”
He said the rituals of Haj for a little strenuous considering his old age. “But then we are doing this to please God,” Abu Ahmad said. “All this is to seek God’s favor. May God accept our Haj.”
Abu Ahmad said what is being seen of Iraq by the outside is not even one percent of what is actually happening there. “There is chaos and confusion.” Thirty-six-year-old Faisal from Mosul, who is performing Haj for the first time, said chaos and confusion are not the right words. “Iraqis are being slaughtered by the occupation forces. My heart beats out for the defenders of Iraq who are doing everything they can to protect the dignity and honor of Arab men and women in Iraq.”
He already has given the upcoming elections his no-confidence vote. “They are a sham — an exercise in futility,” Faisal said.
