Pilgrims who erected their tents on the mountains to escape being detected by the security agencies as there was strict implementation of the “No permit, no Haj” rule by the Passports Department, said they would never repeat the bitter experience. The tents pitched on the mountains of Mina formed the most prominent negative aspect of the Haj this year. The security authorities are more determined than ever to prevent a reoccurrence during the next Haj season. Those who chose to climb the dangerous stretches and foothills of the mountains said they had no other choice after the security authorities had tightened their grip and strictly banned squatting on pavements in Mina. Abdul Rafea Al-Dakrour, a pilgrim who looked for a vacant spot in the alleys between the rows of tents and could not find any place, said he resorted to the foothill of a mountain until he completed his Haj rituals. He said the four-day experience was fraught with dangers from every corner. He said he had to resort to this solution, as his low salary did not allow him to pay the high fees for performing Haj through a licensed Haj company. Al-Dakrour, who entered the holy sites without a permit, said he was not happy about what he did and would seek a valid permit come next Haj. Dahab Fadhl, a pilgrim from the extreme north of Sudan, said he would not repeat the experience of pitching his tent on the mountains. He said it was a harsh and bitter experience, as his mother fell sick on the foothill and he suffered a lot in his bid to take her to Mina Hospital. However, an ambulance team provided the old woman with treatment. Fadhl is determined to perform Haj next year after obtaining a valid Haj permit irrespective of its cost.
