Decision to restrict children at Haj under consideration

Published October 20, 2014
Officials at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj said that children might be banned next year as they face huge problems dealing with the high temperatures.  — File photo by Reuters
Officials at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj said that children might be banned next year as they face huge problems dealing with the high temperatures. — File photo by Reuters

MANAMA: Saudi pilgrimage officials are looking to ban children from accompanying their parents during the Haj as a precautionary measure to protect them from scorching summer heat.

The proposal advises that children under the age of 10 should not be allowed to accompany their parents while they perform the Islamic ritual required of all able, adult Muslims at least once in their lives.

Officials at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj said children might be banned next year as they face huge problems dealing with the high temperatures that reach 44 degrees in the summer months, local daily Al Watan reported.

Ministry reports saying thousands of children were seen with their parents in the areas where around three million Muslim men and women congregate for the Haj had prompted the call for imposing the ban.

The reports added that most of the children were accompanying parents or family members who did not have regular tents and slept on the roadsides.

Several children had to be given medical treatment for problems caused by high temperatures and large crowds.

Parents and families were held responsible for their lack of awareness in protecting the children.

The reports estimate the number of children at the Haj were between 5,000 and 7,000 this year. Around two-thirds of these children were under the age of six.

The pilgrimage was held this year in October, but with the Islamic calendar, the annual event will gradually be marked in the summer with soaring temperatures in the region. The Islamic year is based on lunar months and is made up of 354 days, 11 days short of the Gregorian calendar.

The sources quoted by Al Watan said talks to impose the ban have yet to reach the point of becoming a binding decision.

“When the talks reach an advanced stage, the proposal to impose the ban will be referred to the high scholars' commission for its views,” the sources told the daily, adding that “the decision will be naturally based on the need to protect lives, a highly significant tenet in Islam”.

A major point of contention in the talks is reportedly whether the ban should be confined to the families that do not have proper accommodation in pilgrimage areas.

While some support the view, others insist on a blanket ban on all children under the age of 10.

“The numbers are very limited, and some families bring their children with them because there is no one to look after them back home,” Tariq Anqawi, the head of Mutawafs (Guides) of pilgrims from Turkey, Europe and Australia, said.

“Large tents were set up just to look after the children of the pilgrims and make sure they are not exposed to overcrowding situations,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...