Posted on 02/11/2003 3:12:55 PM PST by chance33_98
Satan stoned in symbolic Haj ritual
By Siraj Wahab, Arab News Staff
MINA, 12 February 2003 — More than two million pilgrims stoned the Jamrat Al-Aqaba, the largest of the three pillars representing Satan, yesterday, as an otherwise well-organized Haj was marred by the death of 14 pilgrims in a stampede (See related story on Page 2).
The stoning ritual, however, continued uninterrupted.
Masses of faithful, still clad in ihram, completed the largest human movement on earth and flocked to Mina.
They came from Muzdalifah, on the plains a few kilometers from Mount Arafat, where they spent the night praying and collecting pebbles for the stoning of devil.
The stoning ritual will continue for two more days. Pilgrims hurl seven stones at each of the three 18-meter (58-foot) high pillars, which stand 155 meters apart.
Among the first to stone the devil was Omar Smith, an American pilgrim.
“Two million people walking in one direction... It was incredible,” he told Arab News.
“This is the way to follow. If we can chose one direction here we should chose one direction in worldly affairs as well,” Omar added in a voice choked with emotion.
Ameer Muhammad Hayat of Gujranwala, Pakistan was relieved beyond words.
“I am happy that I could complete this important ritual with ease,” he said.
Asked how he was feeling when he was stoning the devil, he said: “This is what our beloved Prophet, (peace be upon him) has done and this is what he has asked us to do...
“We are bound by his words. And there is no greater pleasure than following into the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad.”
“I was doubtful about accomplishing this particular ritual,” said Amna Binti, an Indonesian woman who stoned the devil along with her husband.
“I had a choice of letting my husband perform this task for me... But then I mustered enough courage at the last minute and am very happy that I did it... I stoned Satan with all my might!”
Another woman, Kubra Riaz, was ecstatic after stoning the devil.
“All this is symbolic... In essence it means that we have finally said goodbye to the world of vices... It is a symbolic victory of an individual over the corrupting influence of Satan,” she added.
Mina remained in a celebratory mood, as not many of the pilgrims were aware of the stampede. They were celebrating the fact that the most important step of Haj is over.
Many pilgrims were seen in new clothes, and happiness was writ large on their faces. They were exchanging pleasantries and wishing each other well.
There were long queues at the makeshift telephone booths, from where pilgrims were calling home to assure their near and dear they were safe and sound.
As night wore on, relatives and acquaintances of the pilgrims staying in and around the nearby cities of Makkah, Jeddah and Taif began to converge on Mina.
They were seen with maps of the city’s various camps in a bid to locate their temporary shelters.
“I have come from Taif to see my brother, who has come for Haj from Khartoum,” said Al-Haj Muhammad.
“After a tiring journey of faith it is essential that we meet them to keep them in good spirits,” he added.
Following the ritual stoning, pilgrims also gathered in the streets or barber shops nearby to have their hair shortened or completely cut, as is customary on completing the rituals.
Pilgrims are expected to pay a farewell visit to the Grand Mosque in Makkah before leaving.
Some also will take time to visit Madinah, where the Prophet is buried.
I thought so too.
Either that or the Washington monument looks like it... one of the two :)
Great. Get a job.
I can't tell....but I bet a freeper can "enlarge" the photo so that TG is able to be seen.
All too familiar
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