Editorial

Recurrence of stampede at Jamarat in Mina should propel us to find the reasons for the tragedy beyond the physical ambience of the place. That the constant widening of the ramps, construction of multi-layered flyovers and broadening of the stoning target has not a bit lessened the scope for the accident, should urge us to look for reasons that are not within the control of the people who administer the sites of pilgrimage. Saudis on their part, have left no room for complaint as far as the facilities are concerned. Be it tents, roads, transportation, water, sanitation, health and hygiene, food, movement, fire control, the Hajj arrangements have undergone vast improvements during the last three decades. It has been an ongoing process.


The Kingdom had put into service four new projects this year to facilitate the pilgrims. Two of them were connected to the mega development project of the Jamarat area. The first project concerns the redistribution of tents which were allocated near the Jamarat area in Mina. Most of these tents have been moved closer to the hill in the north of the Jamarat within the boundary of Mina. The second project is the underground tunnel to the north of the Jamarat. In fact, the underground tunnel to the north of Jamarat was used for the first time during the Hajj this year. It eased the situation by taking off all the vehicular traffic under the Jamarat area. All the area on the surface was let out for free pedestrian movement alone.


The Saudi Ministry of Haj, last year put up huge signboards on the Jamarat Bridge, especially at the entrances and the exits as well as the emergency exits to help the pilgrims find their way. Even this year, electronic boards were put up to alert the pilgrims of the situation on the bridge before they reached it.


But what lies beyond the control of the Saudis is social behaviour of pilgrims whose uncouth ways, tendency to cut corners, seek short cuts and mishandle facilities leads to rush, congestion, crowding and accidents. Mina has turned into a classic case of unruly behaviour by untrained pilgrims in whose case the spirit of Hajj remains conspicuous by absence. Hajj should be performed and inspired by a spirit of restraint, patience and sacrifice for others. But as it turns out, the pilgrims turn the symbolic rite at Mina on its head and become easy prey to vile temptations of the satan themselves.


The Hajj days offer enough flexibility and leeway in performing the rites and rituals. Though some hours have been designated as afzal (preferred) by the Holy Prophet, they do not fall under the category of recommended. Mina often turns into a killing field merely because pilgrims rush at the stoning points during narrow hours on the ultimate day, i.e., between noon and Maghrib prayers in order to make a quick exit to conclude the Hajj. The tragedy could be avoided if the pilgrims perform the rites in a relaxed manner.


Obviously, this part of orientation of the pilgrims lies beyond the domain of the administrators of the holy sites, hence, the need for Hajj authorities in various countries to train the pilgrims for a more patient and purposive pilgrimage. Perhaps the Hajj orientation provided by Iran, Turkish and Malaysian Hajj authorities or boards would be a better guide in this direction. Their pilgrims spend considerable hours studying the maps and trying to grasp the historical significance and geography of the place respectively. They are trained to comply with discipline, conform to instructions, confront untoward situations with patience and sagacity and follow group leaders.


If indeed, this rigmarole could be replicated in countries from where the pilgrims originate, the Hajj could be made a much more pleasant and memorable experience.