Tunisia may suspend haj over swine flu fears
2009-07-01
Tunisian authorities may suspend the haj pilgrimage to Mecca to prevent the spread of the H1N1 swine flu virus, Ansa reported on Tuesday (June 30th). Tunisian Religious Affairs Minister Boubaker Khzouri is quoted by newspaper Assari as saying that "a fatwa is not necessary". Tunisia also reported its third case of swine flu in a businessman who had returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabian Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah told the press: "Experts recommend that elderly, people with chronic illnesses, children, and pregnant women postpone their plans for haj for their own safety". There are now 81 confirmed cases in Saudi Arabia.
This content was commissioned for Magharebia.com.
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SIMO Posted 2009-07-02
Bravo Tunisia! You are always ahead of the other "Muslim" countries! Your leader, Bourguiba, set the precedent for this sort of courageous decisions. He thwarted the so-called "Muslim" fanatics, first taking into consideration the good and well-being of the Tunisian citizens. This is truly how good Muslims should behave. Bravo Tunisia for your modern, humane Islam!
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