11,000 American pilgrims performing Haj

Approximately 11,000 American pilgrims are here to perform Haj this year.
US Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal expressed gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for hosting the US pilgrims, facilitating their travel procedures and exerting all efforts to maintain their safety.
“The US Embassy staff and volunteers are eager to serve the pilgrims and provide them with any assistance they need,” he said, adding that the embassy staff constantly coordinates with the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, tour operators and consular staff from other countries.
“A number of Muslim employees at the US mission in Saudi Arabia are happy to provide assistance if needed,” he said.
Mohammed Ateequddin, a naturalized American of Pakistani origin, was happy at being able to perform Haj this year.
“I have been planning this journey for a long time,” the Ohio resident said. “This time Almighty Allah answered my prayers and here I am answering His call.”
He was very happy with the arrangements at the holy sites. “The Saudis have done a phenomenal job,” he said. “To organize such an immense gathering is a logistical challenge. Only when you are here in Makkah and Mina do you realize what a gargantuan task it is.”
The US ambassador hailed the unique role played by US citizens who voluntarily serve as coordinators for consular affairs.
“They are based in Makkah and Madinah and are in close contact with our embassy in Riyadh and our consulate in Jeddah. I asked the consul general in Jeddah to personally receive a group of US pilgrims upon arrival and departure,” said the ambassador.
“The US Embassy has launched a separate website containing useful information for American pilgrims, including conditions of travel to Saudi Arabia, how to rent a mutawwif (pilgrim guides) in addition to information on visa, pilgrimage for women, health services, transportation routes and ways of sending Zamzam water and emergency numbers,”he said.
The United States has three million Muslims out of a total population of 307 million in 50 states. Thirty-three percent of US Muslims are from South Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
African Muslims constitute 30 percent of the US Muslim population with Arab Muslims making up 25 percent and the rest of European and Turkish origin.

Source: Arab News