Posted on 12/30/2006 1:14:50 PM PST by Dallas59
MAKKAH, 30 December 2006 — Consider it the “drive-thru window” of the Haj for Muslims on the go.
According to various Haj tour operators, known as tawafa organizations, a new Haj Express service is increasingly popular for busy, blue-collar Muslims with limited vacation time to fulfill their duty to God.
Haj Express offers five-day packages, which offers a quick in-and-out option for those that don’t have a couple of weeks to spare looking at historical sites and buying Islamic kitsch as gifts for friends back home.
Yasin Mahmoud, an Egyptian Haj operator, said the new service has been popular with Muslim business executives who want only to do what is necessary.
“The service gets the pilgrim into Makkah on the last day they’re allowed to enter the city,” he said. “And they schedule departures soon after the end of the pilgrimage.”
This is in contrast to the many pilgrims that spend the full 45 days in the Kingdom, the maximum time allowed on a Haj visa. (Still others “overstay” their visas and remain as undocumented workers in the informal economy.)
Shuja Zaidi, general manager of Hilton Makkah hotel, said that Haj Express pilgrims stay for five days and has traditionally been a service used by politicians and dignitaries. Today, she says more business people are spending up to SR60,000 ($16,000) for quick but executive-class package tours.
Barakat Abo Diab, an Egyptian businessman who came under the Haj Express program, said that it was more appropriate for him to come strictly for the rituals and go back for his business that requires constant supervision.
“I don’t need to stay for a month to tour Madinah and other places,” he said. “Just get me in and out, halas.”
Saeed Al-Dahas, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that the program is for those that have no desire to linger in Saudi Arabia beyond what’s expected of them as Muslims. “I came strictly to perform my duty,” he said.
You've got that right. Islam is a cult of death and destruction. It's founder 'prophet' Mohammed (Piss Be Upon Him) was a good teacher.
Hey, if Mohammad didn't have one so anyone using one should be dealt with according to the Kuran.
CRASH! SMASH! SHATTER!!
Okay, drive thru window. Now where you want to go?
When you absolutely, positively have to get in and out fast - - Haj Express.
hehehe
Mooslimbs on the moose
Wonder if Vegas is running the over-under on this year's hajj stampede death toll?
Can a "drive-thru" for the Islamic terrorist be far behind? (out of little clown speaker)..."Welcome to Terror King, may I take your order"? (Muslim Terrorist)..."yes. One 34 inch belt with 6 sticks of dynomite please". (clown speaker)..."Ok. One 'dyno-belt with a six pack'. Would you like matches with that"? (Muslim Terrorist)..."yes, please" ..."allah ackbar"! (clown speaker)..."back atcha. Please drive-thru"!
For the murderer in a hurry ...
"No, I'm not really a United Airlines pilot.....but I did stay in a Haj Express last night".
"“I came strictly to perform my duty,” he said."
What suckers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.