Pilgrimage to Mecca

Congratulations to those who have completed the Haj this year. As a reflection of greater prosperity and the conquest of distance, every year sees the number of people making the journey increase. The Saudis would not be able to cope if they admitted everyone who wanted to make the pilgrimage. Yesterday’s stampede in Mina, which killed more than 350 pilgrims, shows the need for a limit on the number of people admitted every year. I do not think one can criticise the Saudis on this matter. They have done all they can- what else can be done to prevent a disaster from occurring in a sea of humanity, 2.5 million strong, congregated in a very small space for the purpose of casting stones at some pillars. Any solution that does not involve limiting the number of pilgrims would not work.

As the number of those bearing the epithet Haji increases, I cannot but notice how the Haj, and other religious rituals, are becoming devoid of any spiritual content. The Haj should be a cathartic journey, spiritually fulfilling. Yet the evidence I see around me would suggest anything but. Many people who make the journey are totally unprepared for it.

‘Lottery winners’

Non-Mirpuri Pakistanis, struggling to make ends meet, consider Mirpur as a collective lottery winner, because a large proportion of its population are settled in the UK. It is one of the first comments I expect to hear from porters, porters-cum-beggars (how else can I describe 5 people trying to grab my single holdall), just beggars and taxi drivers. They demand payment, or charity, in pounds not rupees. If you protest, you are reminded of your extraordinary good luck and duty to fellow countrymen. On one occasion, an elderly female beggar claimed she was not begging but merely claiming her due from her ‘son’.

The non-Mirpuri Pakistanis see only the conspicuous symbols of wealth, such as the hacienda-style mansions that dot the Mirpur district. They have no idea of the long hours spent as taxi drivers, factory workers or corner shop owners in England!

The British Mirpuri condition…

I want to start a series of blog entries on the condition of British Mirpuris (BM). That is not to suggest that there is anything extraordinary about BM, just that as an insider I am well placed to comment. In addition, the way the character of an essentially rural people- sniggered at for their ‘goatherd mentality’ by city-dwelling Pakistanis- has changed in the UK is fascinating.

Any suggestions on issues that should be covered would be most welcome.