Today is a very holy day for Muslims around the world. Nearly three million Muslims have gone yesterday to Mount Ararat during the annual hajj pilgrimage, and today is Eid al-Adha. In English, it is called "Feast of the Sacrifice." The majority of pilgrims have been praying for the forgiveness of their sins, but of course, historically , there have also been elements of politics involved for some of the pilgrims. As always, the AP pointed out the "Iranian" element, and how some Iranians have been holding anti-U.S. and Israel "demonstrations" inside their tents. Saudi Arabia has traditionally refused to permit any political demonstrations, but of course, who can prevent people from chanting inside their tents? In the past, political demonstrations have led to hundreds of deaths (1987 for example, when 402 pilgrims died), and so naturally, the Saudis are attempting to make sure that the political side of this mass pilgrimage stays quiet. No matter what a person's religious beliefs, it is inspiring to see so many people gathering together to pray – many of them hoping for world peace.
