Dubai Millions of pilgrims from all over the world gathered at the mount Arafat near Mecca for the final leg of the Haj on Friday amid a heavy downpour that claimed 77 lives, as Muslims in the Gulf region prepared to celebrate Eid Al Adha on Friday.
The Haj this year has been marred by torrential rains that has flooded cities and caused 77 deaths so far, with the Saudi Arabia city of Jeddah the worst affected.
It is still unclear whether any pilgrims were among the dead.
Heavy rains, however, failed to dampen the spirits of the pilgrims as they gathered in their white robes on mount Arafat, the mountain of mercy, where Prophet Muhammad had delivered his last sermon 14 centuries ago.
The opening day of the haj was affected by a heavy downpour, drenching pilgrims and causing heavy traffic jams as the faithful tried to make their way to the holy sites for completing religious rites.
The scare of swine flu has also hovered over this year's pilgrimage, with the Saudi government requesting the elderly and children to not take haj this time.
In the Gulf region, meanwhile, rulers and Sheikhs exchanged greetings on the eve of Eid Al Adha (Bakrid), which will be celebrated on Friday.
On the occasion, UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ordered the release of 427 prisoners serving terms at the correctional and punitive institutions in the emirate.
The amnesty was granted to mark Eid Al Adha and UAE National Day celebrations.
Dubai's Attorney-General Essam Issa Al Humaidan said that the Dubai Public Prosecution, started the executive procedures to implement the order and arrangements are under way for the release of the prisoners.
Those pardoned included citizens and expatriate residents.
No comments:
Post a Comment