A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Monday, November 15, 2010

Hajj 1431: The Day of ‘Arafat

Yesterday an estimated two million or more Muslims gathered at the locale in Mecca known as Mina; today they proceed to Mount ‘Arafat, as they continue the ancient (in fact, pre-Islamic even by Muslim accounts) rituals of the hajj. Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice (‘Id al-‘Adha)simultaneous with the concluding rituals of the hajj.

King ‘Abdullah is said to be suffering from a slipped disc; Interior Minister Prince Nayif is accordingly overseeing this year's hajj.

The hajj is most likely the largest annual gathering of human beings at one time for a common purpose. More as it continues.

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