French Government Issues Brochure For Hajj Pilgrims

January 8, 2006 marks the beginning of this year's Hajj, the pilgrimage to Saudi holy sites required at least once in a lifetime from faithful Muslims. Islam Online reported last week that despite its emphasis on secularism, the French government has published a 5-page guide for French Muslims heading to Saudi Arabia. The French Foreign Ministry has issued thousands of the brochures in French and Arabic to provide key advice, like avoiding deadly stampedes. The brochure also contains basic information on legal rights against travel agents who default on their promises. Last year, 3,000 French pilgrims were left stranded at Saudi airports due to disorganization and unconfirmed flight reservations by some tour operators. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia has enacted a new law to regulate Hajj tour operators. However it does not take effect until after this year's Hajj.