New safety steps ensure a smooth Haj

Dubai: Proceedings of the Haj were carried out smoothly on the day of the annual pilgrimage’s climax with Saudi authorities taking strict precautions to avoid last year’s deadly crush.

Authorities have also deployed drones to reinforce a network of electronic surveillance of the crowds that would alert authorities to intervene quickly if necessary.

State news agency SPA said that Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, who is also the interior minister, supervised oversight as pilgrims used buses, trains and private cars to move from their encampments in Mina to Mount Arafat.

The Haj ministry said it had made a timetable for pilgrims from various countries to follow when leaving and returning to their accommodation.

Saudi officials said no incidents were recorded as nearly two million pilgrims descended upon Mount Arafat on the eve of Eid Al Adha.

The governor of Makkah Prince Khalid Al Faisal hailed the display of humanity among pilgrims, praising the generosity of the people of Makkah who opened their doors to pilgrims. He congratulated the Central Haj Committee for ensuring that the pilgrimage is carried out safely and without incident.

The health ministry issued a statement saying no major diseases were reported.

UAE pilgrims

In the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, inquired about the safety of the UAE pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia launched a Persian-language television broadcasts from the Haj. The 24-hour satellite channel would cover Haj rituals and prayers from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where pilgrims from Iran are not present this year. 

Haj reaches its high point

Mount Arafat: The annual Haj reached its high point on Sunday when pilgrims from across the world converged on a stony hill in Saudi Arabia, a year after the worst tragedy in the pilgrimage’s history.

More than 1.8 million people gathered from sunrise at the hill and a vast surrounding plain known as Mount Arafat, about 15 kilometres from Makkah

Against a backdrop of distant, higher peaks, they squatted, stood, or climbed steps built into the hill while reciting ritual incantations.

They will spend the most important day of the Haj in prayer and reading from the Quran.

Arafat is the site where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon about 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on the pilgrimage.

A non-stop flow disembarked from 18,000 buses which authorities have mobilised. Others came on a Chinese-built yellow and green train which connects the holy sites.

Under multi-coloured parasols to protect against the burning sun, the mass of people moved through broad surrounding streets which are closed to traffic.

“It’s the most beautiful moment of my life,” a smiling Ahmad Salman, an Egyptian accountant, said. “I am in the most beautiful place in the world, where more than one billion Muslims around the world dream of being.”

Around him, dozens of pilgrims chanted a traditional Haj incantation, “God, here I am.”

From a distance, the hill appeared a snowy white from the seamless two-piece white garment, ihram, worn by male pilgrims.

It symbolises a state of purity and emphasises their unity regardless of social status or nationality.

Pilgrims come from every corner of the globe, but Indonesia — the most populous Muslim nation — has the largest contingent.

“Everyone here shares the same joy. People of all colours who speak all languages are united here for the same reason: to glorify God,” said Tunisian pilgrim Shadli Rouissi, 61.

After sunset they will move to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, to gather 49 pebbles for a symbolic stoning of the devil which begins Monday, in the last major rite of Haj.

During that ritual in Mina last year, on September 24, a stampede killed thousands of people who were on their way to throw their stones at the Jamarat Bridge. Authorities announced an investigation into the disaster, but results have not been released yet, although a number of safety measures have been taken.

Among these is the distribution of a bracelet which stores pilgrims’ personal data.

Egyptian pilgrim Mahmoud Awny said the feeling of being in Arafat is “indescribable.”

“All Muslims on Earth wish they could have been here today. Thanks to Allah for enabling me to be here,” he said.

- With inputs from AFP