In an Article on NPR which can be found in the title link, Saudi Arabian health officials are afraid that the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca may have an unexpected visitor, Swine Flu. However, no one can/ will cancel this sacred event because it has been a solid tradition in the Muslim World for 1,430 years. What the doctors are admonishing is for people to get the H1N1 vaccine at least two weeks before the Mecca begins and for pregnant women and young children to stay clear of the Mecca this year because they are most likely at risk for catching the disease.
I am not surprised that Swine Flu was brought up as a viable threat to this religiously charged and historic event because people will be at an extremely close proximity to each other. As seen in my picture, all these people are practically breathing down each others necks. This is a cause for concern because Swine, like any other flu-like sickness, spreads through bodily interactions and exchanges from things such as coughing and sneezing.
I'm hoping that Swine Flu will not get in the way of the Mecca because it is part of the Five Pillars of Islam that every true Muslim must participate in at least once in their lifetime.
5 comments:
It's good that no one is going to cancel this tradition, but it's also good that health officials are at least worried about the Swine Flu spreading from such a huge gathering. I, too, hope that Swine Flu will not get in the way of the Mecca, though I think that precautions should be placed. What to do with such a large gathering of people however, I don't know.
Did anyone else notice the air conditioner on the top of the Hajj? It made me lol.
this is not a good one! Mecca is a sacred place and been around for many years! What in the worlds would happen if it did close! I just hope that one little incident like this will not ruin a religious area for anyone! by the way that picture is prettyscary looking!
I'm glad that they are not cancelling the pilgrimage to Mecca because of the Swine Flu. This gives an indirect indication that the flu may not be as bad as the media makes it seem.
There's an air conditioner? I didn't even notice! Too busy looking at all the people. Nice picture!
Firstly, I definitely did notice the air conditioner too. Haha also, it would be nearly impossible to cancel such a sacred event due to the numbers of people to do attend this event. Hopefully measures are taken to keep people well prepared in case of illness.
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