The volcano that cannot be pronounced did what it did. It stranded passengers all around the world. Saudi Arabia was no different. Hundreds of EU passengers – mainly pilgrims – bore the brunt in Jeddah as flights were cancelled till the volcanic ash-ridden skies cleared up. Local and foreign media reported their condition, and I must say it was not pleasing: “Pregnant women, nursing mothers with their babies, even a wheelchair-bound child and an elderly pilgrim with a heart condition, have spent up to five days at King Abdulaziz International's Saudia terminal in the same clothes they arrived in without access to showers or accommodation.” “Between 1,500 and 2,000 British Muslims in Saudi Arabia for minor umrah pilgrimages had been stranded at Jeddah airport since last week.” “The foreign carriers like British Airways and BMI have been providing accommodation to its customers, but this has not been the case with Saudia passengers.” The pilgrims' stories were appalling: “We fully understand that Saudia cannot fly us to England… all we ask for is basic humane conditions...” “We have been here for six days… They have not provided food or water...” “We found the manager and asked if he could help… We explained we needed shelter and water for the children, some of whom were sick…” The officials' response and treatment were unbelievable: “It's not my problem. No one's going to give you water; next time you come, you bring money with you.” “You can't imagine how we have been treated. We are talking to brick walls. (They) basically walk off as if they have not heard you.” “They just jump at you or start shouting; it's insulting... Maybe that's their way of greeting you, or how they are, but we are not used to that. Where we are from you get a civil answer and a civil response.” “These children have gone down from three meals to one meal a day – less at times…” “It's been absolutely awful. It's the worst experience I've ever had in my life. They treat you like a piece of filth. There's been no sense of humanity whatsoever in this place since we have arrived.” While pilgrims – the guests of Allah – were going through untold suffering, those in charge stood back and watched. They were busy in the blame game: “Legally, the tawafa agencies are responsible for looking after pilgrims while in the Kingdom. However there is dispute as to where the tawafa agency's responsibility ends; many consider the airport drop-off as the last step of their obligations.” The saddest part is they – the airport authorities, the airline officials, and the tour operators – are all Muslims. They know the importance and status of pilgrims. How could they be so indifferent? The money required to take care of these people would have been a drop in the ocean of Saudia's yearly earnings. Where were the charitable societies? Where were the NGOs who are usually upbeat about “causes” and “campaigns” that have little to do with reality but more to do with publicity and political statements? Where had all the talk about volunteerism and social causes gone? Not all was lost. When the news hit the stands, soldiers of solidarity rolled up their sleeves and got ready for action. Common people with full-time jobs earning modest salaries pooled in money and distributed work. While people of different backgrounds – locals and expats – all took part in the relief work, the following are unedited excerpts of what members of just one private e-group – mostly British Muslims living in Saudi Arabia – did for the cause. The names have been starred to protect their identity. From Fa**uk M**h, April 20, 11:20 PM: “Brothers, please read the story on the link below....the situation seems pretty shocking, although not unexpected for any of us who have had any interaction with Saudi Airlines.....is any one up for going to the airport tomorrow to see if there is anything we can do to assist? It seems people are even being denied water..! La hawla wa la quwwatha illa billa.....and to think these people are officially still on umrah and the saudi's should be looking after them....” That triggered off an avalanche of emotions and work began in less than an hour. From Ha**an Ma**k, April 21, 12:07 AM “The situation at the airport is very bad […] we met a couple who had come to Jeddah […] and had been stuck at the airport since Thursday. After not being able to find any vacant hotels / serviced apartments I brought them home.” From Na**em Ah****shah, April 21, 12:38 AM: “I'm on the way to the airport now inshallah. At this time of night I cant think of much to take across except loads of water and croissants [...] Tomorrow inshallah hopefully we'l be better prepared and take them hot food.” From Na**em Ah****shah, April 21, 3:52 AM: “Just got back from both terminals […] Dr. Fi***wn had already been to see them and supplied some blankets and some food. Nevertheless they were very grateful to have received this batch of supply. I received some donations and we bought 240 water bottles and 170 croissants.” From Sha**n Ch****ery, April 21, 12:46 PM: “I shall be hopefully at the airport from 3PM insha'Allah to provide general assistance to the needy. In case anyone needs anything feel free to pass my no.” From Ras**d Gr**am, April 21, 1:42 PM: “…saudi airlines airport is ok at the moment since they have managed to find accommodation. However, the people at the north terminal need help. They don't need food, milk or nappies at the moment since many people have taken food etc down there. They've got to the stage where they're handing out food to any travellers so that the food doesn't waste. […] The main concern at the moment is wash and shower facilities. People haven't washed for days and it is very hot as you all know. The priority is 20 sisters. Then after that there are many others. “After Asr, I will be going with my wife to bring as many sisters to my house as possible. Another two brothers will also be coming with their cars and doing the same. Then we will take them back and bring the next group. In my street, we have approximately 6 showers available, so if anyone could help with regards to transporting these sisters, (then the others) this would help a lot. […] There are three children who are quite sick. Something related to them having a whole in their heart and the embassy are not helping them. These three children need a certain type of milk and medicine.” While the entire discussion – full of activity, follow up of news events, and coordinated relief work – would be an interesting read, space constraints make it impossible to include four days of emails in this one piece. What followed were efforts to provide everything from tea, pizzas, and blankets to furnished apartments and hotel rooms for the needy. In the next two days, they found the British consulate and a government-appointed agency providing regular three-meals-a-day for the passengers. So they turned their focus on the secondary needs of pilgrims until there weren't any stranded passengers left behind. From Na**em Ah****shah, April 24, 11:33 PM: “I have been recieving phone calls of thanks from travellers from UK now that they have reached home. They asked to convey to all those who helped their salams and gratitude. People were, as expected, overwhelemd by the help they received…” “I went to the North terminal this evening and looked for stranded brits [...] I don't think much is left to do and I still have over 500 sr.” There were no photo ops, publicity gestures, or media statements to be made. These were religious men who were very uneasy with the praise they were receiving. From Na**em Ah****shah, April 22, 3:10 AM: “No doubt everybody who had anything to do with supporting the stranded brothers and sisters at the airports here in Jeddah or elsewhere met much praise and were lauded by many for their efforts. Although this is only natural, a person must strive against his or her soul's desire to be praised by the people for actions done seeking Allah's pleasure alone. I would therefore like to remind myself first and foremost and all of us that our situation should be similar to those Allah mentioned in Surat-ul-Insaan Ayah 9: “Indeed we only feed you for Allah's sake. No reward nor thanks do we want from you.” […] Brothers a person may set out to do a deed for Allah's sake but during the course of the action become pleased with the praise he or she receives. A portion of the reward is now lost, if not all of the reward... A person may also have completed the act of worship having sought Allah's pleasure, and then finds an opportunity to make mention of the act to others, not for any other reason than to brag about the act - even if done subtly. No brothers and sisters, keep your reward preserved with your Lord.” An opportunity lost by some. An opportunity well-utilized by others. – SG The writer blogs at SaudiLife.net __
