CAIR-OK Offers 'Know Your Rights,' Flu Info to Hajj Travelers

November 3, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) yesterday gave a "Know Your Rights" presentation to travelers who are about to make Hajj (pilgrimage) from the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (ISGOC).

The presentation included information on how to request same-gender screening in private rooms instead of going through full-body screening machines and how to file complaints if a traveler believes he or she has been subjected to ethnic or religious profiling.

In 2007, a Hajj group from the Islamic Center of America was barred from boarding a Northwest Airline plane. Northwest Airlines later apologized and gave compensation to those who were barred.

SEE: Northwest Apologizes to 'Bumped' Hajis (Arab News)

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4&section=0&article=91127

CAIR-OK encourages all who plan on leaving for Hajj in November to review CAIR's American Muslim Civic Pocket Guide.

SEE: Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim

http://www.cair.com/CivilRights/KnowYourRights.aspx

CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi also educated workshop participants about H1N1 (swine flu). CAIR encourages travelers to be aware of the H1N1 virus and to take the necessary health precautions.

SEE: Swine Flu Threatens Hajj Season (CNN)

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/15/swine.flu.hajj.pilgrimage/index.html

CAIR advises Hajj travelers to bring hand sanitizers, facemasks, ibuprofen pain and fever reliever, and anti-viral medicine such as Tamiflu. Although difficult, CAIR urges Hajj participants to avoid as much physical contact as possible, and to wash hands frequently and receive the H1N1 vaccine before traveling.

SEE: Saudi FDA Approves H1N1 Vaccine Ahead of Hajj (Reuters)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L3608036.htm

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi, 405-248-5853, E-Mail: rhashmi@cair.com; CAIR-OK Chair Michael Aziz Gipson, E-Mail: mgipson@cair.com; CAIR-OK Operations Coordinator Huda Abdul-Razzak, E-Mail: habdulrazzak@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations