CNNI’s Riz Khan describes Hajj experiences

Riz Khan

CNN moderator: Welcome Riz Khan. Thank you for joining us today.

Riz Khan: I hope you enjoyed the show. I'm not on the phone now. I've become computer savvy enough to get in here almost by myself!

CNN moderator: What are some of the misunderstandings about the Hajj?

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Khan: I think one of the biggest misunderstandings is that the Hajj is really a somber event. It's not; it's actually very happy. People are glad to be there.

I think there's also the issue that non-Muslims feel that such a massive gathering is "primitive" in one way or another.

Question from chat room: What can the organizers do in the future to stop the tragedies at Hajj?

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Khan: The biggest problem is the crowding at the stone pillars, the Jamarat, where the "Stoning of Satan" occurs. Here people are funneled together and the crowd becomes really squeezed. A Saudi Hajj Research Institute scientist I spoke with said that the goal now was to move people in "blocks" and not let them flood into the small area together. That should help.

Question from chat room: What is the main message that Hajj sends to non-Muslims all over the world?

Khan: I think now that it's being covered by a global television network as a "factual" event -- not political in any way -- it's showing people around the world that these pilgrims who come from every corner of this planet, speaking dozens of different languages and coming from dozens of different cultures, actually get on very peacefully. You never see fights, not even arguments, which -- considering the conditions in the crowds -- is amazing.

Question from chat room: What about some training for the intending pilgrims? Wouldn't that solve the problem to a great extent?

Khan: Yes! That's exactly what the authorities are starting to concentrate on more. So many of the pilgrims arrive totally bewildered -- often exhausted from the journey -- into the heat and congestion, and it's overwhelming. Training and education before travel would make a huge difference. It would have for me, too.

Question from chat room: What political compromises does Hajj inflict on the Saudi government, if any, in allowing visitors from all over the world?

Khan: That's very interesting. If you consider that many Arab nations tend to look at other countries as a little inferior, perhaps, it means that there has to be a compromise of treating everyone equally. Just as you'd have the same "I'm better than you" attitude in, say, Europe, it's a little the same in Saudi. The government has to put aside any political differences to give everyone fair treatment.

Question from chat room: A different question, but related to Saudi Arabia: What is the policy of Saudi Arabia toward the situation in Afghanistan, with statues being destroyed? What is their opinion and, especially, the opinion of the Saudi scholars?

Khan: I don't know what the official response is. I do know that many Muslim nations came out against the destruction, like Pakistan, Iran and so on. Listening to some of the Saudi guests we've had on "Q&A," they seem to think that the Taleban interpretation of Islam -- especially with the Buddhist statues -- is extreme and totally off the mark. That's to say, not at all what Islam intends regarding tolerance and understanding.

Question from chat room: Mr. Khan, how did you manage to do Hajj and your job as a CNN correspondent. Was it easy?

Khan: To this day, I really don't know how I managed. I hadn't intended to try doing the Hajj. I've never been very ritualistic and felt more lucky than "called" by God. But one of the scholars said I should actually do the Hajj to understand it better.

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I have to say, we -- the fantastic team I had -- worked so hard. We did so much broadcasting. But I guess the excitement and energy level was really high. Also, when it comes down to it, the rituals of the Hajj are less demanding than the journey to Mecca and coping with day-to-day movement around the place.

CNN moderator: What are some of the challenges the pilgrims face in their journey: heat, long distances, etc.?

Khan: I think the biggest challenge is the physical demands of a week or two of going nonstop. Combine that with the heat and the overwhelming nature of the event, and it's particularly difficult for the elderly or disabled. But I have to say, there's so much help that pilgrims give each other. That's amazing to watch.

Question from chat room: Is Mecca the holiest Muslim site?

Khan: Yes. It's considered the "heart" of Islam. Muslims turn toward the Kaaba, the black cube, in the center of the Grand Mosque to pray wherever they are in the world. It's also the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed and, according to some beliefs, the site where Adam and Eve came to Earth from paradise.

Question from chat room: What was the most memorable event for you while doing the program about the Hajj?

Khan: I think it was walking into the center of the Grand Mosque and seeing the Kaaba. For most Muslims, this site remains just a photograph or a video. To see it in real life is a surprise. The Mosque is a very serene place -- incredibly calm. I think people behave remarkably mellow in the mosque, and that's tangible.

Question from chat room: Who created the Kaaba?

Khan: There's a lot of mystery about that. One scholar told me it was built by pagan tribes to house idols, and then became the focus for the Islamic world under Mohammed. There's also the belief that Abraham built the first house of worship to God on that site -- and perhaps even Adam and Eve did the same before him. Essentially, Mecca was just a crossroads in the rocky desert area and became a small town over a long period of time.

CNN moderator: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Khan: Well, I have to just count myself lucky as having been the first to cover this event live for any international network. The response has always been so amazing. It makes me feel good that people can learn something about an event that seems so mysterious otherwise. It did to me before I went there.

It's quite remarkable to see so many people in one place -- from all over the world -- actually getting on so well. Quite inspiring.

CNN moderator: Thank for joining us today, Riz Khan.

Khan: It was a pleasure, really. I enjoyed it. All the best to everyone and thanks for taking part. See ya.

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