Dear Editor,
The death of 769 pilgrims outside Mecca, Saudi Arabia is most tragic. This is not the first such incident and the Saudi authorities cannot escape blame for failing to put in place the necessary control and coordination mechanisms to handle such a large influx of pilgrims at this time of the year.
Haj is considered one of the pillars of Islam and millions of Muslims throughout the world make it their duty to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, sometimes at great personal sacrifice.
I know of numerous Guyanese Muslims who have been to Mecca and have acquired the new status of Hajis or Hajins which is highly regarded among the Muslim community. Many more would have liked to go but are financially and in some cases physically unable to make the journey.
The influx of millions of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia rakes in billions of dollars to the coffers of the state. It is therefore incumbent on the authorities to use some of the money to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims and avoid any such recurrence.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally