Stampede Kills 244 at Hajj Pilgrimage -- "this is God's will"

MyWay News ^ | 02/01/2004 | Rawya Rageh

[teech]

MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) - At least 244 people were trampled to death and hundreds more hurt Sunday under the crush of worshippers in one of the deadliest disasters during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The stampede occurred during the stoning of the devil, an emotional and notoriously perilous hajj ritual. Pilgrims frantically throw rocks, shout insults or hurl their shoes at three stone pillars - acts that are supposed to demonstrate their deep disdain for Satan.

Safety measures were in place at the site - one where fatal stampedes have been frequent - but "caution isn't stronger than fate," said Saudi Hajj Minister Iyad Madani. "All precautions were taken to prevent such an incident, but this is God's will."

[teech]

Can't argue with that... -or- what will those whacky saudis think of next?

[breakem]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1069684/posts

[RLK]

IDIOTS.

[Travis McGee]

Islam is an insane murder cult, from Mad Mo until today.

[Demosthenes]

There is no doubt about it. They are the enemy. I have waited a long time to come to a decision about Islam, and this is it. Read a little further into the article, and catch this little gem:

"Calling America "the greatest Satan," Egyptian pilgrim Youssef Omar threw pebbles at one pillar on which someone had scrawled "USA."

The three pillars represent the Devil, as far as they are concerned. They are liars and murderers. Do not be fooled. We are going to have to deal with the very real possibility of a Holy War waged upon us by these psychotic monkeys.

[teech]

just one more reason why we HAVE to stop depending on them for oil! When are we gonna get serious about nuclear power?

[Travis McGee]

We're going to find out, sooner or later,

If Osama will pray, to a glowing crater.

[Howlin]

I've never heard of a 30 minute stampede before, have you?

[Maynerd]

Reminds me of Dana Carvey's SNL church lady, "Well, isn't that special!?!"

[breakem]

I think the Calgary Stampede lasts a week.

[Travis McGee]

Well, with insane zealots packed into a small area, it can happen spontaneously any time.

In other cultures, a deadly panic stampede can be created with a well-designed stimulous.

[xJones]

They kill their own this time.

[mitch5501]

"Safety measures were in place at the site - one where fatal stampedes have been frequent - but "caution isn't stronger than fate," said Saudi Hajj Minister Iyad Madani. "All precautions were taken to prevent such an incident, but this is God's will."

God's will? Rather,thousands of emotionally charged,frantic people involved in a "notoriously perilous" religious ritual.No doubt the object of their "disdain" delights in this type of religious ferver.

Whatever they're trying to express,it comes across as more an act of worship (especially considering the results) than disdain to the devil.

[Howlin]

Really?

[breakem]

http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/

[Howlin]

Okay, I'm going to bed. You got me. :-)

[breakem]

stop teasing! Good night.

[xJones]

Pilgrims frantically throw rocks, shout insults or hurl their shoes at three stone pillars - acts that are supposed to demonstrate their deep disdain for Satan.

Obviously that didn't work, 244 devout Muslims died tossing shoes, cussing, and throwing rocks. The next time maybe they should send one of their women bombers.

[Howlin]

Lord. I should have typed that differently.

"You tricked me, I fell for it, it's because it's late, so I'm leaving."

Nytol.