Stranded haj pilgrims

I was touched when I read that Thai haj pilgrims are now stranded at the Bangkok’s international airport. The report said that hundreds of Thai Muslims are now spending their third nights, fourth if tonight they are still there, following the Thai’s anti-government protests that have paralysed  air travel  in the country.

The rest of the haj pilgrims have chosen to stay at the airport but they have to make it  to Mecca by next week, 2 December which is the cut-off date for the haj this season. What touches me was when they said that the pilgrimage is a test of faith but the airport chaos is already the test.

Some of them have saved all their lives for this once in a lifetime pilgrimage. Many of those stranded are elderly and frail but still hoping to be able to perform the haj this year. I wish they would all be able to make it to the holy land and have a safe journey.

By the way, it was announced last night that Brunei will celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on Monday, 8 December 2008. I will update on the haj session time permits, insya Allah.