Joyful Iraqis set off to Mecca for Hajj in decades

By: Ismail Zabeeh

BAGHDAD, Iraq: First batch of hundreds of Iraqi Pilgrims of what will be the largest Iraqi contingent to travel to the holy city of Mecca in 35 years left Thursday for annual hajj pilgrimage amid tight security.

Saudi Arabia sets pilgrim quotas for each Islamic country, and although Iraq was allowed 25,000, Saddam's government permitted only Sunni Muslims those above 60 years of age for his political aims. Iraq's quota this year was raised by 5,000 to 30,000.

Joyful pilgrims gathered in northern Baghdad for the journey that will first take them to Kuwait before heading on to the holiest cities of Mecca and Medina which house the holy Ka’abah, holy Shrine of Prophet Muhammad (p), and holy graves of his progeny (p) as well as other pious personalities of Islam.

US officials have said Iraqi border guards will be on heightened alert during the hajj season to prevent terrorists from entering the country in the guise of returning pilgrims.

END