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The article discusses the health implications of mass gatherings, specifically focusing on the Kumbh Mela in India. The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious event that attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. The article highlights the potential for the spread of infectious diseases during the event due to factors such as crowded living conditions and waste production. It emphasizes the need for vigilant planning, coordination, and preventive measures to ensure public health and safety during large gatherings. The article also presents a case study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Kumbh Mela in 2021, which resulted in a significant increase in cases. It concludes by discussing the complex nature of prevention efforts and the importance of comprehensive disease surveillance systems, infrastructure improvements, and the use of technology to manage and mitigate risks during mass gatherings. [Extracted from the article]

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Background: Investigating the experiences and roles of nurses during Hajj is vital due to the unique public health challenges posed by the mass gathering of diverse pilgrims. Nurses play a crucial role in disease surveillance, infection control, and managing emergencies like heat stroke and injuries. Their insights can improve emergency preparedness and public health management. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of Indonesian nurses as Hajj health personnel caring for Hajj pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj season. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design and selected participants through purposive sampling from hospitals, public healthcare centers, and clinics in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Nine nurses participated in the research, and data were collected through a focus group discussion in December 2023. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Six themes emerged, including practicing ethical principles in providing health care during the hajj process, competency qualifications as a health worker, the health care process during Hajj, legal Requirements for Hajj, the importance of therapeutic communication skills to establish cooperation with various parties, and recognizing the role of duties and responsibilities during the hajj process. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of competencies, ethics, communication, and strategic planning in Hajj healthcare. Effective online communication, especially via WhatsApp, was crucial for coordination. The findings emphasize the need for strategic workforce planning, resource allocation, and continuous training to enhance care quality for pilgrims, informing better planning and policy development for future Hajj seasons.

Background: There is a lack of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the role of hand hygiene in preventing and containing acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in mass gatherings. In this pilot RCT, we assessed the feasibility of establishing a large-scale trial to explore the relationship between practising hand hygiene and rates of ARI in Umrah pilgrimage amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A parallel RCT was conducted in hotels in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between April and July 2021. Domestic adult pilgrims who consented to participate were randomised 1:1 to the intervention group who received alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) and instructions, or to the control group who did not receive ABHR or instructions but were free to use their own supplies. Pilgrims in both groups were then followed up for seven days for ARI symptoms. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportions of syndromic ARIs among pilgrims between the randomised groups. Results: A total of 507 (control: intervention = 267: 240) participants aged between 18 and 75 (median 34) years were randomised; 61 participants were lost to follow-up or withdrew leaving 446 participants (control: intervention = 237:209) for the primary outcome analysis; of whom 10 (2.2 %) had developed at least one respiratory symptom, three (0.7 %) had ‘possible ILI’ and two (0.4 %) had ‘possible COVID-19′. The analysis of the primary outcome found no evidence of difference in the proportions of ARIs between the randomised groups (odds ratio 1.1 [0.3–4.0] for intervention relative to control). Conclusion: This pilot trial suggests that conducting a future definitive RCT to assess the role of hand hygiene in the prevention of ARIs is feasible in Umrah setting amidst such a pandemic; however, outcomes from this trial are inconclusive, and such a study would need to be very large given the low rates of outcomes observed here. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN12622001287729), the full protocol can be accessed there.

Copyright of Iranian Civilization Research is the property of Shahid Bahonar Kerman University, Faculty of Literature & Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This qualitative study explores the utilization of social media among Pakistani pilgrims during spiritual journeys and investigates its impact on their pilgrimage experiences. Thirty Pakistani pilgrims who had embarked on spiritual journeys to various religious sites were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview transcripts, revealing five main stages of social media usage: pre-trip preparation, real-time updates and guidance, community building and support, sharing experiences and insights, and post-trip reflection and engagement. At each stage, social media played diverse roles, including providing information and support, fostering connections with fellow pilgrims, sharing personal experiences, and facilitating spiritual dialogue. This explorative study underscores the significance of social media in enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Pakistani pilgrims, serving as a valuable tool for information dissemination, community building, spiritual support, and personal reflection throughout the pilgrimage journey. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how social media shapes pilgrims' experiences and fosters their spiritual growth, emphasizing the need for further research to explore the nuanced dynamics of social media usage in the context of pilgrimage. Overall, this study sheds light on the unique role of social media in the spiritual journeys of Pakistani pilgrims and highlights its implications for pilgrimage practices and the broader discourse on religious tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The years that the Pilgrim congregation spent in Leiden were a formative time that is often passed over in accounts of the founding of Plymouth. This essay will focus on how the congregation ended up in Leiden, the consequences of that decision, and their experiences as refugees. Attention will be paid to the ways in which Dutch legal and cultural practices influenced the way in which the Pilgrims would govern themselves in New England. But even more significant will be an examination of how the religious positions taken by John Robinson and the members of his congregation changed during these years. Interaction with the faculty of the University of Leiden, contacts with members of the Walloon church and other foreign faiths, and discussions with visiting Englishmen such as Henry Jacob, William Ames, and Robert Parker all helped the English to find further light on how they should govern their relations with other religious communities, in essence modifying their separatism. Those changes led to the Pilgrims being able to engage with the puritans who came to Massachusetts in the late 1620s and 1630s and to play a significant role in defining the New England Way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the role of hand hygiene in preventing and containing acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in mass gatherings. In this pilot RCT, we assessed the feasibility of establishing a large-scale trial to explore the relationship between practising hand hygiene and rates of ARI in Umrah pilgrimage amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A parallel RCT was conducted in hotels in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, between April and July 2021. Domestic adult pilgrims who consented to participate were randomised 1:1 to the intervention group who received alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) and instructions, or to the control group who did not receive ABHR or instructions but were free to use their own supplies. Pilgrims in both groups were then followed up for seven days for ARI symptoms. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportions of syndromic ARIs among pilgrims between the randomised groups. A total of 507 (control: intervention = 267: 240) participants aged between 18 and 75 (median 34) years were randomised; 61 participants were lost to follow-up or withdrew leaving 446 participants (control: intervention = 237:209) for the primary outcome analysis; of whom 10 (2.2 %) had developed at least one respiratory symptom, three (0.7 %) had 'possible ILI' and two (0.4 %) had 'possible COVID-19′. The analysis of the primary outcome found no evidence of difference in the proportions of ARIs between the randomised groups (odds ratio 1.1 [0.3–4.0] for intervention relative to control). This pilot trial suggests that conducting a future definitive RCT to assess the role of hand hygiene in the prevention of ARIs is feasible in Umrah setting amidst such a pandemic; however, outcomes from this trial are inconclusive, and such a study would need to be very large given the low rates of outcomes observed here. This trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN12622001287729), the full protocol can be accessed there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among people walking the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela. The aim of the research was to investigate how a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago among a married couple or family affects marital or familial relationships, whether walking the trail to Compostela together influences the behaviour of family members towards each other and whether it forms positive attitudes and behaviour. The empirical basis of the study is the results of a survey among respondents who made the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, as well as in-depth interviews conducted with 24 spouses of pilgrims along the Way of St James. The study revealed that doing the pilgrimage as a married couple or family had a positive impact on intra-family relationships. According to the interviewees, going on the pilgrimage together helped to strengthen marital bonds and trust, improve communication and mutual connection, show care and affection and improve contact with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Pilgrims of Hope" is the Church's theme for the Jubilee year in 2025. The colorful logo for the celebration represents its three core dimensions: gathering in variety and unity, anchored in the cross, and moving forward in a world of regression. This essay explores the theme's core ideas and how Christians can become aware of and be grateful for the message proclaimed in the gospel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurisprudence Faculty Journal / Magallaẗ Kulliyyaẗ Al-fiqh is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study investigates the time-use activities of pilgrims at their religious destination. The time diary was used to describe the behaviour of pilgrims who came on a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad (Iran) in sufficient detail to measure the overall duration and continuous records of activities. According to the findings, pilgrims spend most of their time on necessary and religious activities, respectively. Free time and shopping activities were also among their other activities. Pilgrims were categorised into three clusters: Active Pilgrims, Tourist-Pilgrims, and Non-active or Passive Pilgrims. Active Pilgrims are mostly involved in religious activities, while Tourist-Pilgrims engage more in recreational activities after completing necessary activities. Non-active / Passive Pilgrims mostly spend their time on necessities and personal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the time-use activities of pilgrims at their religious destination. The time diary was used to describe the behaviour of pilgrims who came on a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad (Iran) in sufficient detail to measure the overall duration and continuous records of activities. According to the findings, pilgrims spend most of their time on necessary and religious activities, respectively. Free time and shopping activities were also among their other activities. Pilgrims were categorised into three clusters: Active Pilgrims, Tourist-Pilgrims, and Non-active or Passive Pilgrims. Active Pilgrims are mostly involved in religious activities, while Tourist-Pilgrims engage more in recreational activities after completing necessary activities. Non-active / Passive Pilgrims mostly spend their time on necessities and personal activities.

Background: The Grand Magal of Touba (GMT) associates with risks of infection, but no study on the circulation of resistant bacteria has yet been conducted. Materials and methods: qPCR was performed on rectal samples from GMT pilgrims between 2018 and 2021, before and after their participation in the gathering. Rectal samples from between 2018 and 2020 were also cultured on specific media, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. Results: Forty-one of the 296 (13.8%) pilgrims had at least one gastrointestinal symptom and 91/290 (31.4%) acquired pathogenic bacteria, mostly Escherichia coli. A total of 54.7% of pilgrims reported washing their hands more frequently than usual and 89.2% used soap. One hundred and five (36.2%) acquired at least one resistance gene, notably CTX-M A (21.0%), SHV (16.5%) and TEM (8.2%). The strains isolated by culture were mostly E. coli. These bacteria were found to be sensitive to carbapenems and resistant to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The acquisition of enteroaggregative E. coli was independently associated with CTX-M A and TEM acquisition. Conclusion: Pilgrims presented a risk for acquisition of CTX-M A after the GMT. Surveillance of the prevalence of resistant bacteria and the occurrence of associated clinical infections among pilgrims are necessary in the future.

Reading the Koran is an obligation for every Muslim. However, in order to improve the ability to read the Qur'an for the congregation, motivation and mentors are needed to achieve the expected goals. This writing aims to describe the role of the Mosque Religious Agency in improving the ability to read the Al-Qur'an for the congregation at the Amar Ma'ruf Mosque which is located on Jl. Gurilla, Sidorame Team, District. Medan Struggle, Medan City. This research uses descriptive qualitative research. The data collection techniques are observation, interviews and documentation analysis. After conducting research, the results were obtained that there is a role for the Mosque Trust Board which has made the mosque prosperous by holding coaching activities to improve the ability to read the Al-Qur'an for the congregation. However, on the other hand, there are several inhibiting factors in increasing the ability to read the Al-Qur'an for the congregation, namely the congregation's lack of awareness of the importance of reading the Al-Qur'an, lack of motivation and guidance and lack of time allocation. The supporting factors include supporting facilities, organized activities, appropriate methods and the presence of active mosque youth.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has attracted much interest, and its prevalence in both developed and developing countries has increased. During the Hajj season, millions of Muslims from many different countries travel to Makkah for the pilgrimage. In dealing with health issues during the holy season, many pilgrims prefer to self-medicate with traditional remedies instead of visiting medical practitioners, which could affect the efforts of state healthcare organizations to maintain overall public health during this mass gathering. This study aims to gauge the prevalence of CAM use during Hajj, and to assess pilgrims’ beliefs and knowledge of CAM therapies, with particular reference to products available in Makkah. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in several camps and hotels occupied by Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, during Hajj 2023. CAM modalities were used by 68.8 % of the study participants during the Hajj season. There were almost equal numbers of men (53.7 %) and women (46.3 %) participants, with 88 % of the CAM users being non-Saudi and only 12 % Saudi. The majority of the CAM users belonged to two age groups, the 31–40 year group (29.9 %) and the 41–50 year group (34.5 %). The most frequent self-practice therapies were religious prayer/rituals (30.2 %), and the most popular practitioner therapies was herbal treatments (12.3 %). The most common source of CAM-related information was family/friends (29.2 %), for improving well-being reason (25.8 %). More than half of the participants (56.8 %) strongly believed that CAM therapies have the potential to cure disease, although they were unaware of possible interactions between CAM and conventional drugs (76.7 %). More than half of the participants (57.8 %) did not disclose their CAM usage to healthcare practitioners. Half of the sample said they used CAMs during Hajj because of the common belief that therapeutic products from the holy city of Makkah, such as Zamzam water, are more effective. In conclusion, CAM therapies are commonly used by Hajj pilgrims as they are presumed to be natural and therefore safe, raising concerns about the potential risks of relying on CAM without adequate consultation with healthcare providers or awareness of potential interactions between prescription drugs and CAM treatments.

Understanding the factors contributing to increased perseverance and passion toward long-term goals is an ongoing research challenge. The present study explores the inner drive of individuals to achieve meaningful goals over time, despite setbacks and challenges. The scenario chosen to uncover grit processes was the Way of St. James, a long pilgrimage demanding participants’ perseverance and passion for achieving their goals, despite hardship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty-one individuals completing the Way of St. James. Thematic analysis indicated three key themes contributing to improve the participants’ perseverance along the walk: behavioural tools (e.g., setting behavioural and time management goals), emotional tools (i.e., enjoyment and learning, belongingness), and cognitive tools (i.e., taking perspective, use of metacognitive knowledge). These findings are consistent with prior research and lifelong learning policies while suggesting that challenges and adversities are unavoidable; however, the more autonomous and open people are to continue learning over their lifespan, the more prepared they will be to cope with changes in the environment and to pursue their meaningful goals.

In the 1970s, four Cyrillic inscriptions were discovered on the walls of St. Martin Cathedral in Lucca. They are etched on a marble block reused as an architrave in the 13th century. Two texts, including one deeply embedded and noticeable inscription, were first identified as Old Russian, while another was attributed to a speaker of a dialect of Serbo-Croatian. This article gives a new edition of the inscriptions on the architrave, with a revised reading. In particular, the inscription that had been considered Serbo-Croatian was ascertained to be an autograph of a pilgrim from Briansk. The presence on the architrave of three graffiti indicating the travelers’ cities of origin, namely Murom, Briansk, and Polotsk, testifies to this group of inscriptions having been left by pilgrims travelling as an organized group. Three other brief Cyrillic graffiti were discovered recently on a marble block of the portico of the same cathedral. The photographic images of these three graffiti are also published in this article. The paleography, orthography, language and location of the inscriptions indicate that they were left by pilgrims who came from Rus in the 12th or early 13th century.

Copyright of Journal of Economic Administrative & Legal Sciences is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Umm Al-Qura University Journal for Languages & Literature is the property of Association of Arab Universities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Understanding the factors contributing to increased perseverance and passion toward long-term goals is an ongoing research challenge. The present study explores the inner drive of individuals to achieve meaningful goals over time, despite setbacks and challenges. The scenario chosen to uncover grit processes was the Way of St. James, a long pilgrimage demanding participants' perseverance and passion for achieving their goals, despite hardship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty-one individuals completing the Way of St. James. Thematic analysis indicated three key themes contributing to improve the participants' perseverance along the walk: behavioural tools (e.g., setting behavioural and time management goals), emotional tools (i.e., enjoyment and learning, belongingness), and cognitive tools (i.e., taking perspective, use of metacognitive knowledge). These findings are consistent with prior research and lifelong learning policies while suggesting that challenges and adversities are unavoidable; however, the more autonomous and open people are to continue learning over their lifespan, the more prepared they will be to cope with changes in the environment and to pursue their meaningful goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although vaccines are recognized as one of the most successful public health measures, some individuals consider vaccination unsafe, ineffective, and unnecessary. The study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude of COVID-19 vaccines among pilgrims at a Hajj event (pilgrimage). A survey was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines among 251 pilgrims in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. The results showed a moderate level of knowledge, with a mean of 76.1%. The majority (94.8%) of the participants know that "the COVID-19 vaccines are effective" followed by their knowledge "about the purpose of the vaccine" (84.5%). There was poor knowledge regarding the different types of COVID-19 vaccines (66.1%) and how they should be stored (66.1%). There was a strong agreement about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and to be taken during pilgrimage with a mean value of 4.4382 and 4.2311 respectively. Most pilgrims (46.6%) get awareness about COVID-19 vaccines from the official media, and social media (29.0%). There was a significant association between gender and the type of vaccines (P < 0.05). The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine was the most common vaccine used during the Hajj event (50.4%), followed by AstraZeneca (29.0%), Johnson & Johnson (24.7%), and Moderna (23.1%). It was concluded that there was a moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Also, there was a strong agreement among pilgrims about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and the fact that they should be taken by all pilgrims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores the utilization of social media among Pakistani pilgrims during spiritual journeys and investigates its impact on their pilgrimage experiences. Thirty Pakistani pilgrims who had embarked on spiritual journeys to various religious sites were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview transcripts, revealing five main stages of social media usage: pre-trip preparation, real-time updates and guidance, community building and support, sharing experiences and insights, and post-trip reflection and engagement. At each stage, social media played diverse roles, including providing information and support, fostering connections with fellow pilgrims, sharing personal experiences, and facilitating spiritual dialogue. This explorative study underscores the significance of social media in enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Pakistani pilgrims, serving as a valuable tool for information dissemination, community building, spiritual support, and personal reflection throughout the pilgrimage journey. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how social media shapes pilgrims’ experiences and fosters their spiritual growth, emphasizing the need for further research to explore the nuanced dynamics of social media usage in the context of pilgrimage. Overall, this study sheds light on the unique role of social media in the spiritual journeys of Pakistani pilgrims and highlights its implications for pilgrimage practices and the broader discourse on religious tourism.

Focusing on the cross-cultural interaction between a French traveller and pilgrims from West Africa, this study analyses the actors involved in the construction of European knowledge about West African societies in the mid-nineteenth century. It stresses the role of pilgrims, actors that were often considered peripheral to European knowledge production. The use of the concept of knowledge circulation allows me to explore dimensions of knowledge production such as power relations, resistance, or negotiation, described in the travel account. The paper argues that despite the asymmetries in the pilgrim-traveller relationship, pilgrims co-produced the traveller’s knowledge about West Africa.

Introduction: About 2-3 million pilgrims come to Makkah, Saudi Arabia from all countries to perform Hajj. During the Hajj season of 2019 (1440 H), the total number of pilgrims was 2,489,406, of whom 1,855,027 came from foreign countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, pattern, and findings of emergency health problems among pilgrims travelling through King Abdul Aziz International Airport Health Care Center (KAIA-HC) at Hajj Terminal in Jeddah during hajj season of 1440-H. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of pilgrims coming for treatment at KAIA-HC, before and after Hajj between 1 Dhul Qi’dah to 29 Dhul Hijjah 1440 AH (Corresponding to 4 July to 31 August 2019 AD). The collected data included demographics, medical history, diagnoses of the emergency health problems, infections, and their findings. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS 25. Results: About 296 (3.87%) of 7,643 pilgrims treated at KAIA-HC were emergency cases. Their average age was 43 years (Standard Deviation (SD) ±7.5); 51.3% were females; the highest (45.3%) was between 30 – 59 years age group, both males and females; the highest two nationalities were Indonesian (14.2%) and Egyptian (12.5%). Diagnoses included hypertension 59(19.9%), bronchial asthma 53 (17.9%), and 23 cases (10.5%) were suffering from hypotension. 16 (5.4%) of patients had a myocardial infarction and 10 (3.4%) had cerebrovascular accidents. In 13 cases (4.4%), a chest infection was reported. Diabetes complications (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis) were reported in 28 (9.4%) of the cases. There were 28 (9.5%) surgical diagnoses, 13 (4.4%) were cut wounds, 11 (3.7%) were bone fracture and dislocation, and 4 (1.4%) were head trauma. With regard to the findings, 82 (27.7%) were referred to hospitals; 10 (3.3%) cases required Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, seven of whom survived. The most common referral causes were myocardial Infarction amounting 12(4.05%), followed by cerebrovascular accident 10(3.3%) and chest infection in 8 (2.7%). 13 (4.4%) of the total cases died. The most common causes of death were myocardial infarction, asthma, hypertension and hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes that emergency cases presented at KAIA-HC were few. Cardiovascular diseases represented the main reason for emergency cases, followed by respiratory diseases. 51% of patients were discharged without the need for a higher level of medical care.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Christians have a long history of pilgrimage. The Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims' journey to Jerusalem, in particular, was very well known and ancient. However, when Jerusalem was under the control of Muslim leaders, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Christian pilgrims used domestic pilgrimage as an alternative to the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The fall of Jerusalem at the hands of Muslim leaders and the recurrent problems of pilgrims while they travelled to the sacred places of Jerusalem were the turning points for the proliferation of holy places in Ethiopia. King Lalibela was a man of great inspiration regarding domestic pilgrimage (the journey to sacred places in Ethiopia). The domestic pilgrimage, initiated by King Lalibela to replace Jerusalem in Ethiopia, reached its climax in medieval Ethiopian history. This study explores how the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) validated and authenticated Ethiopian monasteries and other holy places' sacredness by the name of Jerusalem to develop and encourage domestic pilgrimage. It also shows the significance or implications of domestic pilgrimage in building good social values such as peaceful coexistence, kindness, compassion, and social harmony among diverse communities. By taking Debre-Libanos Monastery (DLM) and Gishen Debre Kerbe (GDK) as the litmus tests, this study shows that religious promises (Qalikidanoch) written in hagiographies and other writings of the EOTC are the main ways for validating and authenticating Ethiopian monasteries sacredness. The religious promises promote and sanctify monasteries and other pilgrims' destinations. It initiates pilgrims to enter the seven-day prayer (Subae) and celebrate the saints’ feasts. The practices and various experiences in the monasteries make pilgrims humble and kind, as well as teach them to develop the values of social harmony and peaceful coexistence. Apart from tourism attractions, therefore, these monasteries have a great possibility of significance for realizing good social values such as national unity, kindness, tolerance, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence. Thus, domestic pilgrimage should be encouraged, as Ethiopia is in the throes of ethnic divisions and the destructive effects ethnicization.

Objectives: To assess the community pharmacists' (CPs) knowledge, attitude, and perception of health-related illness among pilgrims, and to investigate the common diseases and the pattern of medications dispensed by CPs during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over two months in 2022, through electronic platform using prevalidated questionnaires adopted from the literature. The questionnaires were divided into 4 sections assessing the CP's knowledge, attitude, and perception about health-related illness, common dispensed agents, and required vaccination during Hajj and Umrah. Results: A total of 544 CPs, mostly between the age of 31–40 (69.9%), participated in this research. About 87.9% of the CPs received a pilgrim after performing their rituals coming to the pharmacy complaining of infection or health problem. In this study, 99.8%(n = 544), 99.6%(n = 543), and 92.7% (n = 505) of the CPs identified influenza, food poisoning, and diarrhea/gastroenteritis as the most common issues during the Hajj & Umrah season respectively. As results, anti-diarrheal agents (96.3%), painkillers (87.3%), inhalers (89.4%), and sunscreens (88.3%) were the most requested pharmaceutical agents. Additionally, 96.7%(n = 527) of the CPs agreed that vaccination is safe to be given to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims particularly for those aged ≥ 65 years, and 89.4%(n = 487) of them reported awareness of vaccines that are required by Saudi Ministry of Health. Both Influenza and meningococcal meningitis vaccines were identified by 99.8% of the CPs, but polio vaccine was identified by 33.9%. Conclusion: Community pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The majority of CPs had adequate knowledge about viral diseases during Hajj and Umrah and their requirement for vaccination.

Focusing on the cross-cultural interaction between a French traveller and pilgrims from West Africa, this study analyses the actors involved in the construction of European knowledge about West African societies in the mid-nineteenth century. It stresses the role of pilgrims, actors that were often considered peripheral to European knowledge production. The use of the concept of knowledge circulation allows me to explore dimensions of knowledge production such as power relations, resistance, or negotiation, described in the travel account. The paper argues that despite the asymmetries in the pilgrim-traveller relationship, pilgrims co-produced the traveller's knowledge about West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The nutritional facts on food labels provide a consumer with the easiest way to select food based on its nutritional facts which are located on the food label. Adding nutrition content on food labels could be one of the most effective tools for communicating nutritional information to consumers. Method: Saudi and non-Saudi pilgrims during Umrah period among the population aged = 18 years. The study comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired about demographic information (gender, nationality, marital status, education level, age, employment, monthly income (Saudi Arabian riyals) SAR, medical diagnosis, and food allergy. The survey was conducted from 23 March to 20 April 2023. All data were collected using an online self-reported questionnaire, using Google Forms. Given the high internet usage among people in the KSA, the link of the online questionnaire was distributed to the target population, and various media platforms, including Email, Google Drive, and WhatsApp groups, and their responses were collected. Results: Our study showed the knowledge of the consumers and their use of nutritional facts on food labels for Saudi and non-Saudi individuals during Umrah period, most of the research sample individuals were Women at a rate of 54.7%, and 60.7% of the research sample individuals were Saudi. According to Marital states, 48.7% were Married by Divorced, Single, and Widowed at the rate of, 24, 16, and 11.3% respectively. In addition, educated individuals with a Bachelor's degree were more aware of nutritional facts on food labels than a High School or Master / Ph.D. It is clear that 62 of the research sample individuals their aged between 30 to 40 years followed by 49 aged 41 years or more and 39 of the research sample individuals aged less than 30 years. Based on the Medical diagnosis, our results display that, most of the research sample individuals were Hypertension which counted 39 of the total individuals followed by Diseases free, Cardiovascular, Asthma, Diabetes, Iron deficiency (anemia), Liver diseases, Cancer, and Thyroid respectively. The majority of the individuals were allergic to foo at about 62%m while 38%. Moreover, 70.7% of the research sample individuals were aware that packaged foods have labels, and 50% of them were always reading food labels followed by 30.7% Sometimes reading and 19.3% they are never reading. 92% of the research sample individuals believed labels were helpful when purchasing. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that more than half of the sample individuals mentioned that they were aware that packaged foods have labels, and 50% of them were always reading food labels, It also indicates that the majority of respondents who are reading food labels who are Hypertension patients, Cardiovascular, Asthma, Diabetes, Iron deficiency (anemia), Liver diseases, Cancer, and Thyroid which means they are reading based on their high awareness of the strong relation between their health condition and food. The results also indicate that nutrition information awareness and reading do not significantly differ according to gender at the same time they differ based on nationality whereas Saudi individuals were more aware than non-Saudi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to develop a comprehensive understanding of people's motivations for going on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage using qualitative and quantitative methods. The methodology comprised qualitative research based on content analysis of 32 travelogue testimonies and quantitative research based on an online survey of prospective pilgrims (N = 228). Three dimensions of motivation were identified using the following factor analyses: secular, spiritual, and religious. Then, a two-step cluster analysis was conducted to classify pilgrims into seven different types. The results revealed that pilgrims are not homogeneous in their motivations and that, except for two types with a total frequency of 4%, secular motivation is more or less present in all other types of prospective pilgrims. There are no "purely religious" pilgrims. Religious motivation always appears together with secular, spiritual, or, most often, both these forms of motivation. The findings suggest that secular motivation may be related to a need for exploration, the core motive underlying self-actualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By exploring the origin, motivation, and behaviour of visitors to the Saint Francis celebration in Real de Catorce (Mexico), this article exposes the link between religious tourism and nostalgic tourism in the case of regional migrants. The methodology was designed to use triangulation of three methods: questionnaires, informal conversational interviews, and direct observation. The results reveal that the celebration has strong family-tradition content. In this pilgrimage, religious faith coexists with longing and the search for identity. Religious tourism blends with nostalgic tourism. This becomes evident in the responses about travel motives and also in the origin of the journey, the frequency of the visits, and the kind of activities in which visitors engage. The visitors tend to come from the main destinations of past migrants from Real de Catorce. For them, a religious festival is a good excuse to embark on a recreational tour legitimated by the idea of family union and devotional obligations. By travelling to the festival, devotees comply with religious obligations, connect with family origins and enjoy recreation. This innovative study of religious and return tourism on a relatively regional scale shows that nostalgia is not associated exclusively with international migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Today, the issue of safety in tourist destinations and residences is considered as a competitive factor and plays a significant role in the economy of cities and countries. Now, tourism is referred to as a booming phenomenon and one of the most important industries in the world, which plays a significant role in the identity of the country. The development of tourism and human desire for special tourism destinations has led to a variety of tourism, such as religious, urban, rural, health and sports tourism. This study intends to investigate fires and urban accidents to explain the incidents related to the pilgrims of Mashhad - the most important pilgrimage city in the country. For this purpose, the required data was extracted from the fire and accident log registration system and the data was analyzed by a data mining method based on SQL Server software. Accordingly, the identified incidents were primarily related to human issues such as improper use of electrical appliance systems, cigarette butts and children playing with matches and incendiary devices, And then there are accidents due to technical reasons, such as elevator accidents and people being trapped, gas leaks, lack of alarm devices and smoke, faulty signs or difficult access to firefighting equipment Gas leaks, lack of alarms and smoke, faulty signs or difficult access to firefighting equipment have occurred. In this article, practical suggestions are presented to increase the safety of tourism in the holy city of Mashhad. The need to improve safety knowledge, empower citizens and strict monitoring actions by the responsible agencies and organizations to raise the level of safety standards for tourists and pilgrims, are among the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1970s, four Cyrillic inscriptions were discovered on the walls of St. Martin Cathedral in Lucca. They are etched on a marble block reused as an architrave in the 13th century. Two texts, including one deeply embedded and noticeable inscription, were first identified as Old Russian, while another was attributed to a speaker of a dialect of Serbo-Croatian. This article gives a new edition of the inscriptions on the architrave, with a revised reading. In particular, the inscription that had been considered Serbo-Croatian was ascertained to be an autograph of a pilgrim from Briansk. The presence on the architrave of three graffiti indicating the travelers' cities of origin, namely Murom, Briansk, and Polotsk, testifies to this group of inscriptions having been left by pilgrims travelling as an organized group. Three other brief Cyrillic graffiti were discovered recently on a marble block of the portico of the same cathedral. The photographic images of these three graffiti are also published in this article. The paleography, orthography, language and location of the inscriptions indicate that they were left by pilgrims who came from Rus in the 12th or early 13th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Church in the World / Crkva u Svijetu is the property of University of Split, Catholic Faculty of Theology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The pilgrimage in Slovakia was characterized by a complex development, accompanied by periods of its prosperity and decline. In the first half of the 19th century, the pilgrimages of believers from the sub-region of Horné Kysuce were still influenced by the surviving baroque piety; they preserved the character of a ritualized religious celebration associated with the participation of pilgrims in the role of a religious subject. They had the character of an outwardly manifested expression of folk religiosity and they were one of the folk sociability forms. The aim of the study is to reconstruct a form of the pilgrimage of Roman Catholic believers from Horné Kysuce to the Marian pilgrimage site in Frýdek the town (currently Frýdek-Místek in the Czech Republic) in the first half of the 19th century. It points out that the pilgrimages fulfilled a primary religious function, at the same time, the socio-cultural, regional and inter-ethnic contacts took place through them. They were an opportunity for intense cultural exchange, which was reflected in the material and intangible culture of the sub-region of Horné Kysuce. Pilgrims helped establish and maintain contacts with neighboring regions, brought news, new ideas and enriched the system of traditional culture with new elements and phenomena. The study is a contribution to the knowledge of the history and forms of the pilgrimage tradition in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religious tourism is one of the most expanding forms of tourism in the world. The significant boom in religious tourism in the world in the last 30 years is due to many factors, namely: religious, historical, economic, geographic, socio-cultural and political. Currently, the term "religious tourism" is very fashionable, or "pilgrimage tourism", which means journeys undertaken for religious or religious-cognitive reasons. The modern pilgrim not only expects to meet God, but also wants to get added value, which are additional attractions for him, because visiting holy places becomes an element of the journey. It can be observed on the basis of our analysis, that the main reasons for religious tourism are connected with religious issues like: pray for specific intention (58% people) and seeing the pilgrimage as a unique spiritual experience (48% of people). This work attempts to conduct quantiative analysis of the pilgrims touristic in Poland. Based on the research, it was found that 25% of the causes of prayer is for a specific intention and exceptional spiritual experience affect 50.65% to participate in the pilgrimage. Based on expert analysis and results of Ishikawa-Method the model was built integrating the main reasons of participation in pilgrimage, which consisting of three groups: religious, touristic and social. In the case of Poland our analysis showed that the main reason is connected with religious causes (63%); the second is touristic reason (19%) and the third is connected with social reason (17%). The model of causes of participation is universal and can be used to analyze reasons of pilgrimage to other sacred places in Poland and also in other countries.

The early medieval coenobitic tradition, starting from the ancient monastic rules, has developed a discipline on the practice of charity, which reflects social conditions and mentality proper to its time. The precept of love towards the others is also distinguished in the care for the sick in need of assistance, the guests who arrive at the monastery and the poor knocking at its door or wanderers asking to be housed. The Benedictine rule says that the guest is accepted by the prior or brothers with all charity and they pray together; the distribution of bread, food, wine and the assignment of a bed are contemplated. It is an evangelical command of monastic life. According to the Regula Benedicti handed down by Ildemaro of Corbie the hospitale pauperum is directed by the eleemosinarius monk, while the hospitale nobilium looks like lodgings in which to host the patrons of the Abbey, high prelates or influential characters, with whom the monks establishes useful public relations. The structure of the hospital of Santa Giulia, historically and archaeologically studied through unpublished documents, was wide and fit for this task. It included a central claustrum overlooked by the palacium or main building, equipped with court-distributed accommodations, the church dedicated to San Remigio, the domus consisting of accommodations, the curia communis and many other service sites. The nuns, sometimes assisted by a retrix hospitalis, performed their service into institutionalized charity in a hospital that was the largest and most important in Brescia, until the middle XV century. The aim of the research is to analyse the functions and interconnections with social and political life in a diachronic way, but also to show an example of institutionalized medieval charity.

يهدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة الحج والحجاج بشكل جغرافي بدولة كندا، عن طريق تتبع مراحل دخول الإسلام بها، وعدد رحلات الحج من كندا إلى مكة المكرمة، وتطور أعداد الحجاج خلال الخمس سنوات الأخيرة، ومناقشة العوامل الطبيعية والآثار الاقتصادية والثقافية على الحج والحجاج، والوقوف على مستقبل الحج والحجاج في دولة كندا. خرجت الدراسة بعدة نتائج وتوصيات من شأنها دعم تطوير واحتياجات الحج والحجاج القادمين من دولة كندا، والتي من أهمها التخطيط لزيادة أعداد الحجاج القادمين من دولة كندا والشركات والمنظمة لرحلات الحج، وتأثر الحجاج الكنديين دينيا وفكريًا بشكل إيجابي مما يساهم بدورهم في نقل ونشر الإسلام في بلدهم الأم بعد موسم الحج، ضرورة زيادة التنسيق والتخطيط بين دولة كندا والمملكة العربية السعودية وعقد الاتفاقيات والشراكات الدولية التي من شأنها تطوير وتنسيق قدوم الحجاج من دولة كندا، وأهمية تفعيل الجانب الاقتصادي عن طريق موسم الحج والحجاج كنمط سياحي ديني يهدف إلى تنويع مصادر الدخل الاقتصادية للدولة، تتمثل في قضاء الشعائر الدينية والاستفادة الاقتصادية. Abstract This research aims to study Hajj and pilgrims geographically in Canada, by tracing the stages of entering Islam there, the number of pilgrimage trips from Canada to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the development of the number of pilgrims during the last five years, and discussing natural factors and economic and cultural effects on Hajj and pilgrims, and determining the future of Hajj and pilgrims in Canada. The study came out with several results and recommendations that would support the development and needs of Hajj and pilgrims coming from the State of Canada, the most important of which is planning to increase the number of pilgrims coming from the State of Canada and companies organizing Hajj trips, and the Canadian pilgrims were positively affected religiously and intellectually, which in turn contributes to the transmission and spread of Islam in their home country. After the Hajj season, the necessity of increasing coordination and planning between the State of Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and concluding international agreements and partnerships that would develop and coordinate the arrival of pilgrims from the State of Canada, and the importance of activating the economic aspect through the Hajj and pilgrims’ season as a religious tourism pattern aimed at diversifying the country’s economic sources of income. In spending religious rites and economic benefit.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the response of pilgrims at Almadinah Almunawwarah Airport toward knowledge of preventive measures on respiratory infectious diseases, and to study the factors affecting the response of pilgrims to prevent infectious diseases such as SARS. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Almadinah Almunawwarah airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who arrived at the city airport of Almadinah Almunawwarah (during the pilgrimage season in 2019) were invited to participate in this study. The tool used to collect data was a paper-based questionnaire. Results: The respondents' mean age was 39.8 years with a range of 18 to >50 years and a median age of 35–50 years. The findings indicated that 82.8% of the study participants reported overcrowding could increase the risk of infections. In addition, 67.4% of them agreed that cardiovascular and heat-related illnesses are major causes of death in travelers to the Hajj. With regards to attitudes about 70% agreed that visiting a physician before travel is essential whereas 73.7% of them agreed that personal hygiene protects them from many diseases. Conclusion: The current study shows that knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward preventive measures against respiratory infectious diseases, such as SARS, among pilgrims, are generally less acceptable if contrasted with their ways toward preventive procedures.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is nowadays esteemed as a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition in Japan. Its origins are in the ascetic travels of itinerant devotees of the Buddhist figure Kōbō Daishi, who is the central focus of pilgrim devotion and is depicted in pilgrimage lore as a mendicant. These early ascetics relied on the Buddhist practice of mendicancy and were supported by the Shikoku custom of settai (almsgiving). However, in 2007, the pilgrimage temples banned pilgrims from alms solicitation within their precincts, claiming that those doing it (mostly itinerants who are a tiny minority among the pilgrim community) were not genuine pilgrims – even though they were following a practice central to the origins of the pilgrimage. This ban reflects historical patterns in different eras of pilgrims being marginalised, decried as antithetical to the ethos of the society, harassed, and even banned. In discussing the underlying reasons for the recent mendicancy ban, I show how it reflects a wider pattern of marginalising minorities within the pilgrimage community and reveals how religious and political authorities perceive the pilgrimage in any given era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: "Health for All by 2000" was launched by WHO in 1978 and is based on primary healthcare availability worldwide. During the month of Safar, many people from neighboring cities and countries travel to Mashhad. Since the qualitative approach can lead to a better understanding of access to healthcare from the perception of consumers, this study aimed to assess the perception of Pilgrims and healthcare providers of healthcare services and gain more profound knowledge about healthcare consumers' experiences. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Mashhad during Safar based on conventional content analysis from September 20-27, 2022. This study used a semi-structured in-depth interview on 36 participants, including pilgrims (n=27) and healthcare providers (n=9) such as medical doctors, nurses, and health experts selected through purposeful sampling. The interviews were transcribed word for word. The MAXqda software and Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed three categories, including 1. Understanding the challenges of the treatment services in terms of three subcategories: A. Lack of medical doctors, drug shortages, and higher prices of medicines, B. Experiencing the diseases (skin, cardiovascular diseases, poisoning, and digestive problems, musculoskeletal pain and asthma), and C. Lack of an appropriate place for patient examination and serum injection. 2. Understanding the challenges of health services, including three subcategories: A. Time and place insufficiency of services, B. Lack of access to sanitary detergents, C. Improper cleaning of resting spaces and places, and finally, 3. Understanding the challenges of welfare services, including two subcategories: A. Inadequacy and lack of access to the appropriate rest place, and B. poor quality and sortage of food. Conclusions: The results indicated that access to healthcare, treatment, and welfare is more than just these services. Health policymakers' commitment to improving healthcare equity, hopefully, leads to positive changes in the healthcare system. Therefore, enhancing social participation in the healthcare system and providing comprehensive education on the optimal use of healthcare services is necessary to empower pilgrims to access better healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The religious sector is another sector of tourism, and so this study aimed at establishing whether the pilgrimage destinations would be perceived as a socio-economic enhancer or contributor for the country. African religious pilgrimages can play an integral part of pilgrimage destinations of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The African religious pilgrimages can contribute to tourism development and subsequently to the general local socio-economic development of KZN as there are various significant pilgrimages. The emergence of African religious pilgrimages can create opportunities for people and stakeholders in the tourism sector to understand that it can contribute to tourism development and subsequently to the general local economic development of KZN which has several important pilgrimages. The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of African religious pilgrimages as a local economic development tool. The paper uses both the theory and document analysis to look at this phenomenon. Moreover, the paper uses Local economic development (LED) and Tourism value chains (TVCs) theories in guiding the lensing and framing of the questions and objective for this paper. The study adopted a mixed method research design; and applied a convenience sampling method of a non-probability sampling technique for primary data collection. IBM's SPSS version 27 software and content analysis were used for data analysis. The findings showed that while African religious pilgrimages have the potential to make socio-economy contributions, it is not yet perceived in that manner by local stakeholders (including municipalities) and religious leaders. The findings further suggest that the African religious pilgrimages can be used as a tool for local economic development. The study recommends that stakeholders to enhance the socio-economic potential of religious pilgrimages such that they promote them as tourism and/or socio-economic development stimuli within the study areas and elsewhere in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museums around the world are recognizing their responsibility to repudiate violent legacies of colonialism and decolonize collections, exhibits and interpretation. In North America, decolonization has meant repatriating sacred artifacts, sites and bodies to Indigenous and other dispossessed people; presenting counter-narratives to white settler-colonial history; challenging racist, sexist and other negative stereotypes and histories; and teaching the legacies of violence against Indigenous Peoples, enslaved Black Africans and other groups brutalized by settler-colonialism. Decolonization also means Indigenous and other marginalized people telling their own stories, co-designing exhibits, and developing non-colonial alternatives to museums to research, preserve, celebrate and educate about their heritage and history. This paper examines the historical narratives found in Plimoth Patuxet living history museum alongside those presented by local Wampanoag People. Findings include an elaboration of settler-colonial, bicultural and decolonizing narratives. The paper concludes with a discussion on centering decolonizing narratives in museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the response of pilgrims at Almadinah Almunawwarah Airport toward knowledge of preventive measures on respiratory infectious diseases, and to study the factors affecting the response of pilgrims to prevent infectious diseases such as SARS. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Almadinah Almunawwarah airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who arrived at the city airport of Almadinah Almunawwarah (during the pilgrimage season in 2019) were invited to participate in this study. The tool used to collect data was a paper-based questionnaire. Results: The respondents' mean age was 39.8 years with a range of 18 to >50 years and a median age of 35-50 years. The findings indicated that 82.8% of the study participants reported overcrowding could increase the risk of infections. In addition, 67.4% of them agreed that cardiovascular and heat-related illnesses are major causes of death in travelers to the Hajj. With regards to attitudes about 70% agreed that visiting a physician before travel is essential whereas 73.7% of them agreed that personal hygiene protects them from many diseases. Conclusion: The current study shows that knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward preventive measures against respiratory infectious diseases, such as SARS, among pilgrims, are generally less acceptable if contrasted with their ways toward preventive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]