A Lampeter expert in Islam is calling on Muslims to reduce the environmental impact of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Dr Mawil Izzidien, reader in Islamic Studies at the University, says the event is expected by Islamic law to be a celebration which avoids wasting and misusing resources and has called on Muslims to avoid air travel to Saudi Arabia where possible and to stay in less luxury during the pilgrimage.
Dr Izzidien has written about the environmental dimensions of the pilgrimage which is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith and which every adult Muslim should undertake at least once in their life, if they can afford it and are physically able. In a BBC interview, Dr Izzidien stated that he believes Muslims should reduce the number of Haj trips to Mecca if they can, and that the funds would be better used helping other Muslims to make the journey, or tackling world poverty, instead of for a repeat pilgrimage.
