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.
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