OIC CHIEF EXPRESSED SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON MINA-STAMPEDE

Jeddah, 12 Dhulhijjah 1436/25  September 2015 (MINA) – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Ameen Madani, expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, Crown Prince, over the stampede that occurred in one of the streets of Mina on Thrusday, (09/24).

The OIC Chief also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased; praying to Allah to bestow on them His mercy and ascribe them as martyrs.

“The OIC expressed full confidence that Saudi Arabia is continuing in undertaking its duty” said Madani, noting the enormous and continuous efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the Pilgrims, Ummrah performers and visitors, and its investments in the service of the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, International Islamic News Agency (IINA) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Madani said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the servant of the pilgrims take into account every aspect that would improve these services and provisions, witnessing the remarkable and major expansions that took place and are ongoing of Al Masjid Al Haram (Grand Mosque in Makkah) and Al Masjid Al Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque in Medinah).

He added that, “Hajj sites of Mina and Arafat are transformed during the few days of Hajj into full fledged cities that cater for more than three million people with all the necessary utilities and living needs, with major infrastructures of roads, tunnels, and bridges that facilitate the pilgrims’ performance of their rituals”.

Madani hoped that no party would seek to take advantage of the pilgrimage and pilgrims, and the incidents that might happen, when these crowds of millions perform the same rituals at the same time, in a controversial context that would divide rather than unite, in contradiction with the essence of Hajj.

He added, “It is a collective scene that goes beyond and transcends any differences in sex, color, race, and status, where there is no honor but the honor of sincerity in worshiping Almighty and working on what unites the Ummah and keeps it together”. (T/Imt/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)