Pilgrims performing Haj are "guests of God"

A very interesting update on this year's Haj, where 1.64 million pilgrims have already arrived.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=104716&d=16&m=12&y=2007&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

snip

MINA, 16 December 2007 — Saudi security forces yesterday paraded in front of Interior Minister Prince Naif with their equipment, demonstrating their readiness to protect the security and safety of the nearly three million pilgrims expected to perform Haj this year.

Prince Naif, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, inspected Haj facilities and arrangements in the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah yesterday on the instructions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan.

More than 1.64 million pilgrims from different parts of the Islamic world have so far arrived in the Kingdom for this year’s Haj. According to Maj. Gen. Salim Al-Belaihed, director of the passports department, 1.49 million pilgrims have come by air, 133,635 by land and 24,039 by sea.

Prince Naif said Saudi security forces are capable of protecting pilgrims. “We will make every effort to ensure the security and safety of the guests of God,” he told reporters after the inspection tour.

snip

He said the Kingdom has nothing to do with the increase in Haj expenses being suffered by some foreign pilgrims. “It may caused by rise in international prices.” He said the government has appointed agencies to monitor those who increase prices during Haj in the Kingdom, without any reasons.

“We will not allow anybody to exploit pilgrims. We consider serving the guests of God as a great honor and we reject any move that causes harm to them,” he added. He said the government has taken into consideration the growing number of pilgrims every year.

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I have been observing the great studies and improvements provided to ensure a safe Haj and I'm very impressed.

Wishing many blessings from God for all the Haj pilgrims and their hosts.