MINA: Inevitably, many of the headlines will focus on the terrible storms that struck key Haj locations, causing a great deal of chaos among pilgrims. This is a shame, because the atmosphere and the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims clad in white in the city of Mina has been nothing short of breathtaking.
Arab News had several opportunities to mingle with Hajis as they walked through a tunnel leading to the iconic white tent city. It will be their last night before they set off on the arduous journey up Arafat and complete the most important part of their pilgrimage.
For many, the trip will be even more challenging and test their resolve to the limit. Take the case of 77-year-old Mohammed, an Algerian who is performing Haj for the first time and needs a cane to help him walk.
The Saudi government has actively discouraged anyone over the age of 65 from attempting the pilgrimage. This clearly has not bothered Mohammed, who is in good spirits as he alone completes the last leg of his walk to Mina.
“I will complete my journey with the grace of Allah,” he told Arab News.
There are Hajis who will rely on their family to help them make the trip up Arafat as they may be severely disabled such as Pakistani pilgrim Khulthoom, also on Haj for the first time. She is unable to walk and needs a wheelchair in order to retain some degree of mobility.
Khulthoom was being pushed under the tunnel, apparently unaccompanied, by one of the attentive security guards who was keen on ensuring she had shelter from the torrential rain. When Arab News asked her whether she had come alone, she replied she had been accompanied by her brother and his wife, but had lost them. She was constantly on the phone, clearly trying to arrange for her family to meet her. Yet it would be a good two hours before they were finally reunited. One can only hope they will be more reliable when she climbs up Arafat.
It was not only the pilgrims that were in high spirits. Security forces generally maintained a calm and relaxed demeanor as they directed the river of people toward Mina. One guard, Mohammed Rashed, suggested a reason for their high spirits was down to the substantial benefits the Saudi government offers for keeping the peace during important occasions such as Haj. An amiable character, Rashed told Arab News that he had been working as an electrician and was being paid a minimal salary. He claimed the situation has changed after he switched careers.
“I now get paid three times as much as in my previous job. I am also a weapons trainer and the insurance benefits are very good,” he said. When asked about other reasons why he chose to join the security forces he replied: “It is my duty to serve the guests of God and help them.”
Rashed was the only guard happy to talk to Arab News, partly because he spoke good English and partly because of his happy-go-lucky nature. The other guards were generally very reserved and did not want to comment as they were scared of possible disciplinary action.
The severe rain may have caused havoc amongst pilgrims, but it appears the telecommunications industry has actually benefited from the events of Wednesday. As the heavens opened, umbrellas adorned with the logos of various major phone companies also opened up. With rain expected Thursday and Friday, it remains a strong possibility that the industry will be one of the main winners, apart from of course the pilgrims when they complete their Haj.
