Muslim Pilgrims Mark Eid Under Shadow of War

11/02/2003| IslamWeb

Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha Tuesday and two million pilgrims in Saudi Arabia threw pebbles at a pillar representing the devil in the most accident-prone part of the annual haj pilgrimage. This year's spiritual quest and the feast of sacrifice have been overshadowed by a build-up of U.S. troops in the Gulf region for a possible attack on Muslim Iraq for its alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction. Some pilgrims used the occasion to vent their anger against Israel and its main ally the United States.

"Today, America is the devil and the main enemy of Muslims. Zionists and the crusaders led by (U.S. President George W) Bush have declared war on Islam," Abdullah, a Jordanian pilgrim, said.

The faithful, who made the pilgrimage to Mecca, trekked to Mena from Muzdalifah on the outskirts of the holy city where they had spent the night after a day of prayers on Mount Arafat.

Chanting Islam's rallying cry of "God is Greatest," the pilgrims in white seamless attire marched to Jamarat Bridge where each pilgrim threw seven pebbles at a pillar erected where Muslims believe the devil appeared to Abraham.

In 2001, at least 35 pilgrims died in a stampede at Jamarat. Overcrowding at the bridge has in recent years posed one of the biggest security challenges during the five-day haj.

Thousands of policemen, wearing masks against the dust, frantically tried to keep traffic flowing Tuesday, often in vain.

Under a scorching midday sun, many pilgrims passed out from fatigue. Some wailed after losing relatives in the crowd as loudspeakers asked worshippers to clear the scene for others.

"I feel that today I have completed something which has always been missing," said Mahmoud, an Egyptian pilgrim.

The ritual has gone smoothly so far this year under massive security in the kingdom, which is a U.S. ally. Thousands of troops have been deployed to prevent political demonstrations and authorities have vowed to crush any group planning sabotage.

MUSLIM UNITY

Many pilgrims are opposed to war, and the Iraq campaign has further fueled deep resentment over what many Muslims see as blind U.S. support for Israel against Palestinians.

A sermon at Mecca's Grand Mosque to mark Eid al-Adha made no mention of the political tension in the region and spoke of Muslim unity, peace and the five pillars of Islam.

"The sanctity of life, wealth and honor is a great and firm foundation on which to build the unity of the Muslim nation," cleric Sheikh Osama bin Abdullah Khayat told pilgrims ringing the cube-shaped Kaaba, which Muslims turn to when praying.

Saudi King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah urged Muslims in an Eid message to "build bridges of mercy, compassion and harmony." Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's holiest shrines.

Slaughter houses in the Mecca area killed thousands of sheep, cows and camels, symbolizing God's last-minute command to Abraham to slaughter a sheep instead of his son Ismail. The Muslim holy book, the Koran, says God wanted to test Abraham's faith by ordering him to sacrifice his son.

Most of the meat is given to poor Muslims around the world.

After throwing their stones, men cut their hair or shaved it off. Pilgrims in white robes surged across the wide plain, making a powerful contrast against dark hills.

They will spend the next two nights in Mena in thousands of fire-resistant and air-conditioned tents before returning home.
Haj is mandatory once in a lifetime for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. Pilgrims begin the ritual by retracing the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad 14 centuries ago.

PHOTO CAPTION

Muslim pilgrims 'stone the devil' in Mena, outside of Mecca, February 11, 2003. The pilgrims in white seamless attire marched to Jamarat Bridge where each pilgrim threw seven pebbles at a pillar erected where Muslims believe the devil appeared to Abraham. (Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters)