1/15/2005 3:00:00 PM GMT
Source: The Miami Herald
Muslim pilgrims streaming into the Islamic holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage, prayed for the 157,000 people killed in the massive tsunami that hit Asian countries on December 26 and asked Allah to give survivors the courage to cope.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation with 220 million people, was devastated by the deadly disaster, but 200,000 Indonesians were still expected at the annual Hajj in Mecca.
An Indonesian pilgrim said that he was surprised over the dozens of strangers who noticed his nationality written on the pouch around his neck and came to offer condolences for the more than 100,000 Indonesians who died.
Another Indonesian found a quite place to pray for a lost friend.
Mohamed Saleh, 50, a teacher from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, prayed outside Mecca’s Grand Mosque, his hands raised and his eyes filled with tears.
"I have lost a friend in the tsunami, and I pray for him and the souls of all those that have perished," said Saleh. “I pray that God will mend broken hearts and give them courage to overcome the grief."
Tsunami orphans
Punti Aji, a 29-year-old banker from Ban Dung, Indonesia, said that he is asking Allah to protect the children who were orphaned by the tsunami from child traffickers.
"I've been praying for the dead and their families, but I'm really concerned about the children who have been orphaned by the disaster," Aji said.
Like many others, Indonesian Abdullah Sharfuddin, 21, thanked Islamic nations for sending aid supplies to Asian countries and particularly hailed Saudi generosity.
Palestinian-American Awadhallah Mohamed, 46, said that he is praying for the victims, noting that many of the dead were Muslims, but added; "We are all humans and we have to pray for humanity."
Inside the Grand Mosque, pilgrims gathered around the Kaaba, a cubic stone that Muslims turn for the daily five prayers, to begin Hajj rituals.
Security was tightened in Mecca where Saudi officials make sure that there are no accidents and stay alert for possible terror attacks.
Saudi Health Minister Hamad al-Manie said that they are carefully watching for any signs of epidemics, especially among pilgrims from tsunami-hit areas. He said that so far, they haven’t found any such cases.
Two million Muslims perform the Hajj every year, a duty of all healthy Muslims who can afford it. Many perform Hajj more than once as it cleanses the soul and wipes away sins.