Despite the deadly H1N1 flu, the number of Chinese pilgrims arriving for Haj is on the rise. “Chinese pilgrims enjoy the full support of their government, which helps various Islamic associations in the country to organize Haj,” said Mustafa Yang Chibo, deputy president of the Islamic Society of China, who heads his country's Haj mission this year. The number of Chinese pilgrims performing Haj this year is 12,700 as compared to 11,000 and 10,000 pilgrims in 2008 and 2007 respectively. Chibo said all Chinese pilgrims have been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus and a team of 40 doctors and four other experts have been dispatched by the Chinese Ministry of Health to accompany them. “Haj is a religious activity and includes issues of politics, economy, transportation, health, security, etc. It is, therefore, necessary to regulate the activities of Haj and to ensure the interests of the pilgrims,” said Chibo. He said the country's basic policy of Haj is in the interest of the unity of the Muslim masses, in favor of the development of the economy in areas inhabited by Muslims and the progress of society in the interests of safeguarding its stability and the national unity. “Various Islamic civil associations and other such groups have been established in each of the provinces and cities of China. These Islamic organizations are helping the government to implement the policy of freedom of religion and have made many efforts for the development of Islam in China,” said Chibo. Meanwhile, the number of pilgrims coming from the Philippines for Haj has gone down, with only 3,308 coming this year as compared to 4,800 last year. “This is because of the flood disaster in which many Filipinos lost their loved ones and their property. Fears of the H1N1 flu may also be one of the reasons,” said Solaiman C. Mutia, Haj attache at the Philippines Consulate in Jeddah who is in charge of this year's Philippines Haj mission. He said around 2,050 Filipino pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom, and that 1,400 of them are currently in Makkah. “All Filipino pilgrims have received regular vaccinations in their country. A medical team of 20 people at the Philippines House in Makkah and a supervisory team consisting of 20 officials have been dispatched to take care of the Filipino pilgrims,” said Mutia. The first batch of Filipino pilgrims arrived on Oct. 25 and all the pilgrims are scheduled to return between Dec. 2 and Dec. 26.
