The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a U.S.-based Islamic rights group, warned thousands of American Muslims who are planning for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known among Muslims as Hajj, against discrimination and other challenges awaiting them as they leave the States for Saudi Arabia, including profiling, asking them to be prepared for trouble at a time when "flying while Muslim" can be a liability.
"Given the increase in the number of complaints CAIR has received alleging airport profiling of American Muslims, we believe it is important that all those taking part in this year's Hajj be aware of their legal and civil rights," said CAIR Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
The group established a toll-free hotline for American Muslims heading to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the holly pilgrimage, and published a pocket guide for pilgrims entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim.
"As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful, and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel," the group said in its pocket guide to American Muslims' rights and responsibilities.
"You have the right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory."
American Muslims who had cause to think that they had been "treated in a discriminatory manner" should "ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write this information down," CAIR said in its statement.
"If you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, immediately:
1. Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write this information down.
2. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
3. Ask if you have been singled out because of your name, looks, dress, race, ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
4. Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5. Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure to include the flight number, the flight date, and the name of the airline.
6. Contact CAIR to file a report."
Pilgrimage or Hajj, the fifth pillar of the Islamic religion, is compulsory to Muslims of good health and with sufficient funds to make the journey to the holy lands in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
--AJP and Agencies.
"Given the increase in the number of complaints CAIR has received alleging airport profiling of American Muslims, we believe it is important that all those taking part in this year's Hajj be aware of their legal and civil rights," said CAIR Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
The group established a toll-free hotline for American Muslims heading to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the holly pilgrimage, and published a pocket guide for pilgrims entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim.
"As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful, and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel," the group said in its pocket guide to American Muslims' rights and responsibilities.
"You have the right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory."
American Muslims who had cause to think that they had been "treated in a discriminatory manner" should "ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write this information down," CAIR said in its statement.
"If you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, immediately:
1. Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write this information down.
2. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
3. Ask if you have been singled out because of your name, looks, dress, race, ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
4. Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5. Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure to include the flight number, the flight date, and the name of the airline.
6. Contact CAIR to file a report."
Pilgrimage or Hajj, the fifth pillar of the Islamic religion, is compulsory to Muslims of good health and with sufficient funds to make the journey to the holy lands in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
--AJP and Agencies.
