24 September 2015
The Muslim Council of Britain sends its condolences to the families of the hundreds of people who were killed today in a stampede during Hajj near Makkah, Islam’s holiest city. The number of those affected continues to rise with the death toll exceeding all incidents of this type since 1990. As of now, it is not clear how many of those who have lost their lives, if any, were from the UK – and many British families remain concerned about their loved ones. Thousands of Britons go on pilgrimage to Makkah every year.
Dr. Shuja, Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Britain, said: “It is a tragedy that on this day of celebration (Eid al-Adha) across the world, so many people undertaking the spiritual journey for Hajj have lost their lives. Our heartfelt prayers go to the victims and their families, and they will no doubt be remembered in Friday prayers around the world. The magnitude of the Hajj places an unparalleled burden on the organisers. Whilst a great deal of effort has been made to cater for the ever growing numbers of pilgrims visiting Makkah, we welcome the announcement that an inquiry into the tragedy will be established and we hope it will draw on the independent and robust conclusions of international experts, thus minimising the risk of this tragedy recurring.”
Useful contact information in Saudi Arabia
British Consulate-General, Jeddah Tel: 012 622 5550 Fax: 012 622 6249
British Embassy Emergency Contact Tel: +966 5010 04268
Saudi Helpline for families of victims and those missing Tel:966 1254 58000
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Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
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