backtracking…..with a few scans……
A panorama of the new Jamarat bridge, the direction of Arafat towards the right, Makkah to the left via a pedestrian tunnel. On the original Masjid Aqaba was visible, behind the bridge (approximately 3cm in from the left hand edge of this image) while the compound we were in hugs the mountain just beyond the new group of residential towers to the right.
The following three images are from "The View From Above: Superb, Refreshing and Fantastic"
I have included this one that appears in the article as a slightly larger version as it is such a stunning photo.
"an imposing structure, lined with tower cranes just waiting to start working again. The pilgrims are mere dots creeping slowly up, down and around the bridge. They cluster tightly around the three Jamrat, which are walls jutting up from the bridge’s surface." Construction has already resumed, the massive support columns lining the sides of the walkway awaiting the addition of more levels.
"At Mina, the tents stretch out in waves with Al-Kuwaiti Mosque floating in the center of the swells. King Abdul Aziz Bridge is a slash through tent city."
I realize these scans from print editions are somewhat hazy, but still do not diminish the grandeur of the Hajj. The following images document, for those who have just completed the Pilgrimage, the improved system of clearing the areas around the Jamarat, as well as for those who witnessed how congested it was in the past, and for those who Allah Ta’ala is preparing to call to Him for next Hajj. now being the time to firm your intention and beg in Tahajjud for this invitation, Insha’Allah. The red barriers indicating areas to be kept vacant, patrolled around the clock by security personel.
An aerial view of the thousands of vehicles parked on the Day of Arafat, SubhanAllah. Any wonder the short journey to Muzdalifah became a marathon of sitting in the bus for twenty plus hours! This surely is the next project for the authorities to be thinking of implementing a better system, with many suggesting rail links between the three main Holy Sites.
A section of the tedious stop start traffic entering Makkah. While some were in air conditioned coaches, others had standing room only in the back of cattle trucks, or in cramped conditions on the top of buses and vans. Studies have been made regarding the toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, especially in the long tunnels were transport can be stuck for hours, with frightening levels recorded. May Allah Ta’ala accept all the various hardships all may have endured and guide those in planning to continue to make improvements. Ameen.
And congestion of a different kind….a herd of camels off to the slaughter house.
No person does anything on the day of sacrifice that Allah the Most High likes more than the shedding of the blood of a sacrificial animal, for the animal will appear on the Day of Judgment with its horns and hoofs, and the blood is spilt in the presence of Allah Most High even before it touches the ground; therefore, be pleased with it." In the Tradition it is related that "Every bit of wool on its skin is accounted to you as a good deed and likewise every drop of its blood; it will be put on the scale; therefore, rejoice." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam said, "Select your sacrificial animal, for they are your mounts on the Day of Judgment."
Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reported that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam said: "One who performs Hajj and one who performs Umrah are Allah’s guests; if they invoke Allah, He responds to them, and if they seek his forgiveness, he forgives them."
May all Hujjaj be blessed with this Promise, Ameen, and their actions reflect this blessing for the sake of the entire Ummah, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.
