World Times

Hajj rituals begin, millions of faithful moving from Makkah to Mina 22 September 2015 MAKKAH: Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world on Tuesday began moving from the holy city of Makkah to nearby Mina in Saudi Arabia for the start of the holy Hajj rituals. Almost two million people are expected to take part in this year's pilgrimage, undeterred by a crane collapse in Makkah earlier this month that martyred 109 people and injured nearly 400 at Islam's holiest site. "It is a gift from God that He has chosen us to come here," said Walaa Ali, a 35-year-old Egyptian pilgrim with tears in her eyes. "I am so happy to be here." Nearby, both men and women sat side by side listening to preachers explain the history and rituals of Hajj. The first day of Hajj is known as Tarwiah Day, when pilgrims traditionally watered their animals and stocked water for their trip to Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres southeast of Mina. Nowadays pilgrims spend their time there in prayer and reciting the Holy Quran. The climax of the Hajj season is on Arafat Day, which falls on Wednesday. With the start of Hajj, pilgrims enter the stage of Ihram – a state of purity in which they must not wear perfume, cut their nails, or trim their hair or beards. During Ihram, men wear a seamless two-piece shroud-like white garment, symbolising resurrection and emphasising unity regardless of social status or nationality. Women must wear loose dresses exposing only their faces and hands. The Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their life. The ministry says 100,000 police have been deployed to secure Hajj. "We take all possibilities into consideration during Hajj. This includes the kingdom being targeted by terrorist organisations," Turki told AFP. Saudi interior ministry spokesman General Mansur al-Turki said security forces are on high alert and 100,000 police have been deployed to secure Hajj. "We take all possibilities into consideration during Hajj. This includes the kingdom being targeted by terrorist organisations," Turki told AFP. Among other challenges facing Saudi authorities this year is potential transmission of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The capital Riyadh saw a jump in infections last month. But health officials have insisted that so far no MERS infections have been recorded among pilgrims. Saudi Arabia is the country worst affected by MERS, with 528 deaths since the virus appeared in 2012. The health ministry has mobilised thousands of health workers to help secure a virus-free pilgrimage.