Saudi Arabia Warns: We Will Respond to Political Behavior During Hajj

Saudi Arabia has warned pilgrims attending this year's Hajj in Mecca to refrain from any behavior motivated by political agendas. On Saturday, September 28, Reuters reported on the alarming statements made by Mohammed bin Nayef, the Crown Prince and Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, as quoted by the country's state media, emphasizing that the Saudi government will not allow the Hajj rituals to be intertwined with political issues. Mohammed bin Nayef stated, 'Security forces are ready to deal with any irresponsible behavior that could tarnish the purity of the Hajj and endanger the lives of God's guests.' This report references recent terrorist incidents in Saudi Arabia, noting that three suicide bombings by affiliates of the 'Islamic State' that occurred in mosques in Saudi Arabia this year demonstrate that even places of worship for Muslims are at risk of bombings. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is also engaged in the civil war in Yemen, leading a coalition of Arab countries against the Shiite Houthi rebels, which raises concerns among officials about potential reactions from war opponents during this year's Hajj. Reuters writes that pilgrims from various countries have gathered at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, hoping that the Hajj will provide an opportunity for Muslims to cease fighting. Ali Saeed, a pilgrim who fled the Syrian civil war through Jordan to Saudi Arabia, prays that rival leaders 'come to their senses and stop the bloodshed of the innocent.' He says, 'Will it ever end? Only God knows. I hope all our leaders can come to Mecca with the same faith and belief that all people have.' The Hajj has seen around three million pilgrims in previous years. However, Riyadh has decided to reduce the number of pilgrims this year by imposing strict visa regulations. So far this year, about 1.2 million people have arrived in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, on Friday, September 20, the Grand Mosque was the scene of a crane collapse that resulted in the deaths of 107 pilgrims, including 11 Iranians.