Saudi Arabia Must Suspend the Hajj: The presence of millions of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina will have lethal consequences.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-27-2020

Capture Date

5-11-2020

URL

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/opinion/coronavirus-hajj-pilgrimage.html

Abstract

This opinion piece, by Dr. Ebrahim Moosa, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Notre Dame, describes the difficulties with allowing the annual Hajj to take place this year amid the coronavirus. Dr. Moosa discusses the different aspects of the Hajj and its incompatibly with social distancing. Because of the large gatherings produced by the Hajj, and the lack of a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Moosa urges Saudi Arabia to suspend the Hajj. Ethical issues such as the preservation of life are discussed, in addition to historical suspensions of the Hajj.

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