A pilgrim gathers pigeon food at a street in Makkah. (AN photo)
MAKKAH: There has been a growing tendency among pilgrims who lack correct knowledge of Islamic faith to do things against the creed out of belief that this would cure them of diseases or bring blessings.
Arab News has noted that a number of pilgrims go to Hira Cave, where revelation was first made to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or Jabal Al-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy) in Arafat believing that this is part of Umrah rites or seeking God’s providence. Some of them even take stones from the mountain back home to bless their family.
Arab News also noted pilgrims who seek medical treatment for themselves and others collecting the seeds and grains thrown to pigeons and other birds near the Grand Mosque. Seeds to feed pigeons are sold by foreigners in small plastic bags for SR1 for pilgrims to buy and feed the pigeons. The grains and wheat are available in the districts of Al-Masfalah, Al-Hafair, Ghazah and others close to the Grand Mosque.
Categories: Asia, Islam, Saudi Arabia