In particular the crowd during certain rituals of the hajj becomes really dangerous. Based on my observations, I can say that there are serious problems in three major areas: A) Problems during the ritual of circling the Kaaba (tawaf). It is possible to divide these into four groups:
1) The narrow area for performing tawaf: It is now imperative to expand the venue. Quite rightly, the Saudi administration insists that this is costly and difficult. Turkey, too, is concerned about possible damage to historical artifacts left from the Ottoman era. But there is a remedy for that. The artifacts may be disassembled carefully before the expansion and reassembled afterwards.
2) Most pilgrims stop to try and touch or kiss the Black Stone. This causes turmoil.
3) The pilgrims who want to kiss the Black Stone impede the flow of the tawaf. Three measures may be taken into consideration; a) The pilgrims should be persuaded that pointing to the Black Stone from a distance is enough to complete the ritual. b) The Stone may be taken under preservation only in hajj times. c) Maybe the best measure is to place the Black Stone three meters higher.
4) Many pilgrims -- particularly those from Iran -- cause disorder when they want to perform prayers in the Place of Abraham (Makam-i Ibrahim). This is one of the factors seriously affecting the flow of tawaf. If a certain prayer stipulated under a certain sect endangers lives of thousands, this means that there is something wrong with it. The issue should be resolved through consultation and meetings between the respective states. However, the Saudi administration is reluctant to take part in discussions on sectarian differences. The real solution is to move the Place of Abraham a little back as the second righteous caliph, Omar, did. This will be much easier if the tawaf area is expanded.
B) Problems in Mina may be divided into three groups:
1) The stoning venue should be expanded and additional bridges should be constructed. There are ongoing attempts to do this.
2) Those pilgrims who want to spend their nights at Mina should be convinced to settle down in the tents they have been assigned. Prophet Moses took his shoes off when he stepped in the Sacred Valley. Mina is a sacred place. However, it is filthy and smelly. This is nothing but disrespect. Waste or dirt should not be dumped in a sacred place, endangering the health of millions.
3) Islamic scholars should convene to discuss whether or not stoning is allowable before noon and the outcome of these discussions should be forwarded to the pilgrims. Considering that necessity is sometimes a valid reason for altering the prescriptions of Islamic rituals, there must be something to resolve this problem. The lives of thousands are at stake here. Also, sick people and the elderly may assign others to represent them during this particular ritual. The pilgrims should be encouraged to do this.
C) The city of Mecca should be restructured under a long term development plan to facilitate the flow of traffic through and from the haram (the sacred place within the city). Only sacred sites should be left in the historical center of the city; these should be revived and restored and their surroundings should be subjected to a thorough review. Also, the city should be closed to traffic and settlement. The residential places, hotels and other massive facilities should be taken out of the city. Transportation should be offered via subways and railway systems.
