The annual Hajj pilgrimage culminated in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca this past
weekend for the feast of Eid al-Adha. An estimated 2.5 million pilgrims made the pilgrimage
to Mecca this year – 1.8 million from abroad and up to 800,000 from inside Saudi Arabia
– presenting major security concerns for the government there, as it tries to ensure
the safety of visitors moving from one site to another. This year religious and environmental
groups were also raising environmental concerns, urging pilgrims to try and lower
their carbon footprints as well. Dr Husna Ahmed is a Muslim consultant to the Alliance
for Religions and Conservation and has just co-authored the first Green Hajj Guide….she
spoke to Philippa Hitchen about her concerns..