Mina tragedy<\/p>\n
Those returning from this year's haj pilgrimage will for a
\nlong time mourn the death of the 244 pilgrims trampled to death
\nin Mina during the "Stoning of the Devil" ritual, when thousands
\nof people of different nationalities formed an uncontrollable and
\nangry mob.<\/p>\n
I happened to be lucky enough to be chosen to perform the haj
\nthis year after waiting for about fifty years, mostly due to a
\nlack of financial resources.<\/p>\n
Muslims are called upon to make the haj pilgrimage once during
\ntheir lifetime -- for those who can afford it. It is hoped, that
\nafter becoming a haji or hajjah, a person's faith in the
\nteachings of the Prophet Mohammad is renewed and they will stand
\nas an exemplary citizen.<\/p>\n
Those who perished this year during the stampede in Mina gave
\ntheir lives in performing their religious duties.<\/p>\n
The greatest tragedy was that, from my observations, the
\nvictims were the poorest among the pilgrims and may have believed
\nthat by throwing stones to chase the "devil" away they would
\nimprove their worldly conditions and secure a place in heaven.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mina-tragedy-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}