Saudi authorities stepped up extensive measures to ensure a safe and comfortable Haj journey for over two million Muslims coming to Mecca from dozens of sects and around 160 countries to perform the holy annual pilgrimage.
Pilgrims prepare to move to Mina tomorrow, to begin the six-day Haj rituals.
Lt. Gen. Saeed ibn Abdullah Al-Qahtani, director of the public security in Mecca, said the Ministry of Interior has been working on upgrading its capabilities each year on the basis of the experience gained in the previous year.
"The ministry has this year set up a central command in Mina in addition to a new security department for the crowd management at the Al-Jamrat Bridge," he said.
Authorities fear sectarian attacks and possible protests by Iranian Shias like those that took place in previous years.
Haj this year comes amid mounting tension between Iraqi Sunnis and Shias that threatens the unity and stability in the entire Middle East region, thanks to the political vacuum the occupation created in Iraq, but Western news reports appeared to exaggerate the possibility of sectarian attacks.
Thousands of Iraqi pilgrims taking part in the holy pilgrimage this year, arrived in Mecca over the past week, united in their prayers for peace, stability and the loved ones they have lost in the violence that has plagued country.
Iraqi pilgrims will seize the chance in this year’s pilgrimage to reflect and to pray for their country.
"What other motivation would I have than to pray for the unity of our country. Only unity can bring back security and safety," said Zohra Um Mohammed.
"We pray for the Americans to leave. They are the ones who have torn us apart," added the 54-year old accountant.
"What a pity. We need to pray for Iraq, you must pray with us for our homeland," said Ruqaya as she cried.
"We have suffered so much grief that Satan plays with the minds of some of us and gets them to start questioning the most important thing in life, faith in Allah," Abu Tariq said.
"That is why we came here, to renew our faith in Allah, to pray for the deceased, and to pray for peace and stability for Iraqis," the retired public servant said.
Asked if he was a Shia or a Sunni, Abu Tariq said: "We are Muslims".
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks