There might not be a way to eradicate the problem of pilgrims camping out on the sides of roads during Haj. However, the Hajis this year did notice a sharp decline in the number of such pilgrims. The Saudi Gazette witnessed tired pilgrims rolling out rugs to rest on just beyond the exit of the Jamarat Bridge in Mina. Pilgrims intended to wait there until after dawn prayers to quickly throw their stones on the third day of Eid and thus conclude their Haj. Among the crowds were not only the weak and the feeble, but also the strong and the energetic. Security men approached the various groups and called out: “Haji, move on! Haji, no sitting here!” Some of the security men came on foot while others rode in jeeps with blasting sirens and flashing lights. The different groups of campers varied in their reactions to being evacuated. The Asian pilgrims, who could not communicate in Arabic, silently packed their belongings and shuffled onwards. The Gazette witnessed many groups who seemingly obeyed orders, but as soon as the security officers walked away, they spread out their rugs and went right back to sleep. Some cheerful pilgrims patiently talked with the security officers, and served them any sweets they had on hand. One man, who was the leader of a group from Damascus, stood up and chatted with a good humored security officer for an hour while those in his group slept peacefully. A common disturbing scene was pilgrims angrily arguing with security guards. Such behavior clashes with the spirit of the Haj, which is all about patience, submission, and kindness toward fellow Muslims. Many people fail to understand that preventing camping out aims to protect pilgrims by facilitating their movement, preserving their health, and maintaining the cleanliness of the area. On the other hand, many pilgrims have no other choice but to camp out. One Sudanese expat worker blamed the practice of camping out on the excessive costs charged by Haj groups. He works in Jeddah but his wife and children, who live in Sudan, were enrolled with a Haj company from Sudan. He said: “I wanted to perform Haj with my family. I could not afford to register with a Haj group because they were demanding high prices; a minimum of SR5,000. I had no choice but to come on my own and seek shelter on the sidewalks.” A construction worker similarly embarked on the journey all by himself. He said: “My monthly salary is SR800. How can I pay the exorbitant fees of Haj groups?” Another disgruntled pilgrim, Abu Anas, complained: “My family and I came with a Haj group five years ago. Although they charged us SR30,000, their services were appalling. After taking us to our tents in Mina, they failed to provide us with transportation to any of the holy sites. I, therefore, decided to perform Haj this year without a group. The whole trip cost me not more than SR2,000.” __
