At first glance, getting smothered to death at the Hajj might not seem a very fulfilling way of ending one's life.

That is exactly what happened today to more than three hundred pilgrims during the so-called symbolic stoning ritual.

There was panic and then a surge of the crowd and then an overpowering stampede of wishful worshippers all wanting to be at the same holy place at the same time.

The final moments in emotional turmoil swiftly going under in a heightened spiritual awareness...

(And then that's it)