I do not understand why some parents insist on taking their infant babies or young children with them to the pilgrimage. These parents are aware of the perils that they may face in the Haj including suffocation or stampede due to the large numbers, traffic accidents, fires and other hazards. The Haj is an onerous and exhaustive event. The pilgrims need to dedicate their entire time to worship and to competing their Haj rites in ease and comfort without any distractions. Their children will not enable them to do so. The picture of the infants and the young children accompanying their parents to the pilgrimage has always been a big question mark to me. This picture is only superseded by the leniency of the security police who will let these children pass through to Makkah at checkpoints. The children are allowed to pass though despite them not carrying Haj permits. What puzzles me more is the scene of a pregnant woman in her last month choosing to go to the most crowded event on earth. The woman will give birth to her baby during the Haj. This makes me question: What Haj has this women come to do? How can she do her Haj rites without being preoccupied by her baby? The newspapers are replete with news of open heart surgeries and catheter operations conducted on a number of pilgrims at the government hospitals and health centers in the holy sites. Have these pilgrims come to do the Haj or to get medical treatment? The Haj is a great religious event for those who are able to do. It is not for the children, pregnant women or sick people who will distract themselves and the others from dedicating their time to worship.
