It is also a logistical nightmare. Over four days, the population of a small city moves by car, bus and foot between Mecca and several holy sites in the desert nearby, each day performing a different rite all at the same time.Hajj – for the rich only? Child beggars not welcome in Saudi Arabia Muslims beginning the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year have a new way to avoid the crowds: an elevated light-rail that will whisk them between holy sites.
The first phase of the train project, called the Mecca Metro, will transport pilgrims between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa. The three stops on the pilgrims' journey trace the steps of the Prophet Muhammad and Abraham.The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws some 2.5 million worshippers each year. The sheer numbers present authorities with a challenge in preventing stampedes at holy sites, fires in pilgrim encampments and the spread of disease.The Saudi king on Saturday transferred his traditional supervisory duties of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to his deputy prime minister after rupturing a disc in his back.King Abdullah normally heads the committee charged with ensuring the smooth operation of the hajj, the largest annual gathering in the world. But a statement released by the Royal Court said the 86-year-old monarch herniated a disc in his back and Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz will take over the supervisory role.The statement did not say how the king's injury occurred.