A reader shared with me his observations about performing the Hajj (I cite with his permission):
"I went for Hajj in KSA for the first time earlier this
month. I thought it would be nice to share with you some observations.
1- While praying in Mecca (directly facing Al-Ka'ba
Al-Sharifa), an official came and stopped me (actually, he pushed me while I
was praying). When I asked for the reason, he said "pray right and then
you have a right to ask". I put my hands down when I pray...I am sure you
know the difference/no difference. It was an unfortunate incidence that is
based on his lack of understanding. Sure, I waited until he left and prayed
again without talking to him as I would not go into discussion /
"Jidal" with him...
2- I was looking for some of the old places that are related
to Islam (i.e. bayt al-mawlid of the Prophet (PBUH)) in Mecca.
Unfortunately, they built on it a library. I attach a photo that I took of
it.
3- A lot of the enlargement of the Al-Haram surrounding
the Ka'ba is, unfortunately, happening at the expense of destroying a lot of
old archeological and Islamic places.
4- A nice moment was on the very end of Hajj (after we went
out on third day from Mena). Thanks to the Iranians, in the tunnel, everyone
start to shout as if we are in a demonstration ('mothahara"). And, the
words are along "al-mawt li Israel, labbayka ya hussain" and all of
that...I say thanks to Iranians because they were the first ones who did such
thing few years ago and Saudis, then, killed hundreds of them on that day.
Then, Iranian government took some actions and obliged Saudis to give Iranian
pilgrims some privileges during Hajj (i.e. to visit 4 Imams in Baqi' in Madina,
to do this demonstration, and few other things without anyone coming after
them)...Many of us (Lebanese and Iraqis) just benefited from this treatment to
Iranians in Madina and Mecca as we sneaked with them --
unfortunately Lebanese government asks for no such thing for
us ...a picture in the tunnel in Mena on last Hajj day is attached too :)
I did not take many photos there as I was mainly there for
worshipping and visit...
by the way, also the Iranians have a RIGHT now
in Madinah to read دعاء كميل on Thursday nights
in البقيع in front of أماكن دفن أربعة من الأئمة الإثني عشر ... I am glad
their government was able to get this right for them from the
Saudis...I was not allowed to enter with them as a Lebanese....and on
general I felt in Mecca more respect for / fear from Iranians by Saudis given
their government apparently stand up and take a position for some attitudes by
saudis".