Homesick Muslims Throw Rocks at Things

Muslims from around the world gathered in Mecca this week for the annual hajj, or pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of the Muslim Faith and a sacred obligation for all who can afford to make the journey. Yesterday's highlight was the throwing of rocks at a larger stone, an act symbolic of denouncing the Devil and all of his works.

For many, though, the rock-throwing made them acutely homesick and led to other activities that might help recreate a hometown atmosphere in a foreign land. After the day's rituals were over, a throng of believers flocked to the carnival grounds adjacent to the holy sites for a bit of relaxation and amusement. Popular booths at the carnival were Throwing Rocks at Adulteresses, Throwing Rocks at Infidels, Throwing Rocks at Citizens of Western Nations Trying to Help You, Guess Your Turban's Weight, Khangar Swallowers: Off-Off-Broadway, and Blame A Personal Problem on the Jews.

"This has been the best hajj ever," said Yusuf al-Marqoot, a Yemeni national on his fourth pilgrimage to Mecca. "Back home, I am a dealer in rocks for throwing. So, I'm taking notes and hoping to implement some innovations into my business when I return."

al-Marqoot said he was bringing home a few souvenirs for his family; some Iranian dates for his daughters, and for his wife a burqa that read: "My Husband Performed the Hajj, and All I Got Was this Lousy Burqa".