A bad news for Hajj pilgrims from Tunisia, Boubaker Akhzouri from Religious Affairs department has announced that pilgrims from Tunisia will not able to participate in this annual event this year. Every year millions of Hajj devotes go to Mecca and Medina to participate in this holy event.
Tunisia has pulled back because they will not be able to vaccinate candidates on time due to late shipment of the vaccines and because they want to save human life. About 10,000 Tunisians will be effected by this decision. Although Saudi officials were able to minimize the spread of Swine flu during the month of Ramadan, Tunisia has taken an extra step to protect it's citizens for the bigger Hajj event. Saudi Arabia said that they are prepared and have requested all participants to take Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccine and also requested elderly and sick people not to attend the ceremony.
ABOUT HAJJ:
Hajj is the biggest annual pilgrimage in the world with Muslims from all over the world comming to Saudi Arabia to participate. Every country is given an annual qouta and often lottery is used to pick up the successful candidates because applications exceed the quota allowed. It is the fifth pillar of Islam. Participation in Hajj is seen as a bonding between various Muslims in the world regardless of their country of origin or their social status. Among the duties of Islam, every Muslim should try to go to Hajj, those who cannot go on a Hajj because of ill health or lack of money are excused from the obligation. Those who are mentally ill, and women without traveling companions are also forgiven.
Saudi officials have said that they are prepared to welcome about 3 million pilgrims this year. Some 10,000 American Muslims go on Hajj each year. The core celebrations of Hajj lasts for five days.
Prepared by Tina Berry
In collaboration with Saching (http://www.saching.com)
