Reminiscence:When Haj journey was fraught with dangers

Haj arrangements have improved over the years.
Every season, the Saudi leadership, as represented by its
various authorities concerned with Haj affairs, seeks to
implement projects or suggestions that facilitate the
performing of this ritual for the benefit of pilgrims.

This was hot the case, however, in the past. In ancient
times, particularly in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century,
the Haj journey was fraught with dangers. Pilgrims were
robbed of their money and belongings by bandits. Some
were killed while some others died from hunger and thirst in
the desert.

All this changed when King Abdulaziz came to the throne.
He put the security of pilgrims on top of his priorities. He
spared no effort in providing safety and comfort to the
pilgrims through implementing any suggestions or mega
projects to serve them and facilitate performance of the
rituals.

King Abdulaziz established in 1927 the Haj Management
Committee to manage pilgrimage affairs. In 1946, he issued
a royal order to form the General Directorate for Pilgrimage
with the responsibility of Haj affairs, supervising all projects
related to Haj, receiving pilgrims and providing them with
required health care and transportation.

For over 30 years until his death, King Abdulaziz used to
leave Riyadh for Makkah ahead of Haj to oversee
preparations.

He deputized Crown Prince Saud four times and Prince
Faisal twice to supervise the pilgrimage season in order to
save public money and provide Haj expenses for those in
need.

In addition, he used to send vehicles to take the disabled and
the poor, who could not afford the expenses of the
pilgrimage, from all regions of the Kingdom to Makkah and
the holy sites, hosted them until the completion of the Haj
rituals and then returned them to their homes.

The efforts made by the founder of the Kingdom to serve the
pilgrims and take care of them during performing the rituals
are unlimited. He made the congregation at the Grand
Mosque stand behind one imam and implemented a
comprehensive maintenance project to renovate and repair
all damaged parts in the Grand Mosque, including its walls,
floors, doors, columns, arcades and walkways.

King Abdulaziz also ordered authorities to pave mataf with
flint stones, the first paved road in Makkah.