Hajj and the cumulative experience of organizing it

Both participants and those who followed the blessed Hajj season this year confirm that the preparations, equipment and capabilities mobilized for the pilgrimage were unprecedented at all levels, whether in terms of security forces, human resources, infrastructure and technical equipment and additional technical support.

There has been a qualitative development in the implementation of means of support in all sectors of security, traffic, medical, safety, housing and emergency services.

More than 55,000 soldiers were recruited by Saudi Arabia in all military, civil, medical and voluntary sectors to work on the success of the pilgrimage season this year. There was constant work round the clock in different areas until the pilgrimage appeared to be in an honorable way of the season.

WATCH: How Saudi Arabia fed 2 mln Hajj pilgrims this year

Everyone worked after studying all the observations, complaints and suggestions made during previous Hajj seasons. The Ministry of Hajj through its new minister, who makes deft use of modern technology and modern administrative measures, improved its performance and facilitated the functions of arrival and the movement of pilgrims.

The Ministry of Interior developed the performance of the departments of passports and traffic and civil defense so that the rates of facilitation procedures were very remarkable and distinctive.

The entire security sectors in all official Saudi institutions were present strongly in the public scene this year. Their performance and their interaction with the pilgrims and the stories that are circulating about what they have done are like myths in the power of their great influence.

Practical and concrete ways

The Hajj system in Saudi Arabia is developing in practical and concrete ways. It opens up to the jurisprudence schools to expand the sentences so as not to restrict the Muslims to one opinion and one fatwa, resulting in bottlenecks and crises, using the latest and most important techniques to ensure ease of movement and safety of pilgrims.

There is a cumulative experience over the decades, characterized by the uniqueness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over time, there has been an undeniable educational curve. It must be noted and pointed out because it is the one that makes the difference in reform and development year after year.

The remarkable organization of Hajj this year and the remarkable development in the transportation of airplanes, buses, cars, railways, accommodation facilities in camps and hotels, smooth flow of traffic, legendary development in medical services, rapid interaction, handling and emergency response of all kinds was amazing to all.

Also read: Hajj 2017 is over, but a pilgrim’s journey is unending

The media discourse that opposed to Saudi Arabia hosting the Hajj has been thoroughly exposed. It failed in all its attempts in the face of this organizational achievement, which the Saudis boast more than anything else.

It is a certificate that is not equivalent to a testimony in the ability of the Saudi to meet the exceptional challenge in harsh climatic conditions and human gathering. And a great religious rite and the performance remains impressive despite all the difficulties.

Congratulations to the Saudis who organized Hajj this year in a wonderful, honorable and sophisticated way. It may be a lesson to silence the critics.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on September 18, 2017.
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Hussein Shobokshi is a Businessman and prominent columnist. Shobokshi hosts the weekly current affairs program Al Takreer on Al Arabiya, and in 1995, he was chosen as one of the "Global Leaders for Tomorrow" by the World Economic Forum. He received his B.A. in Political Science and Management from the University of Tulsa. His twitter handle is @husseinshoboksh.