Every effort counts to stop exploitation of Hajj pilgrims

Our readers have their say on the Hajj, Rodrigo Duterte and fake news

CORRECTION - Saudi women attend a hackathon in Jeddah on July 31, 2018, prior to the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.
More than 3,000 software developers and 18,000 computer and information-technology enthusiasts from more than 100 countries take part in Hajj hackathon in Jeddah until August 3. / AFP PHOTO / Amer HILABI / The erroneous byline appearing in the metadata of this photo by Amer HILABI  has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Amer Hilabi] instead of [Matthieu Clavel]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.”
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Regarding your editorial Exploiting vulnerable Hajj pilgrims is contemptible (July 30), we appreciate your efforts to raise awareness around this issue, which concerns millions of Muslims around the world.

The Association of British Hujjaj UK, a national Hajj and Umrah-specific organisation working for the welfare and wellbeing of pilgrims, has been campaigning on this issue for a number of years.

We are working closely with law enforcement authorities in the UK to combat exploitation of Hajj pilgrims. But at the same time, we are aware that this is a global phenomenon that needs to be eliminated to protect pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.

Khalid Pervez, Association of British Hujjaj UK

Friday sermon is a must-read for people of all backgrounds

I write simply to recognise and applaud your esteemed newspaper for carrying the weekly feature entitled Friday Sermon, a brief English translation of the original Arabic version read out in the mosques before the Friday prayers.

It has immense value for all non-Arabic speaking Muslims.

I very humbly request that all non-Muslims also read this column to better understand what Islam stands for.

It will help erase the incorrect and stereotypical image of Muslims that has unfortunately emerged in recent years, either by design or organically.

I urge other English daily newspapers to follow The National’s example in this regard.

Mohammad Hamza, Dubai

Duterte should follow action with words and education

I write in reference to your article Duterte watches bulldozers crush smuggled Lamborghinis and Porsches (July 31): the president of the Philippines is clearly a decisive man of action, bulldozing luxury cars to make the point that the country simply will not tolerate smuggling.

He has also threatened chilling action against those who commit drug-related crimes.

While these might be effective measures, his actions also need to be supported by education and rehabilitation efforts.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Fake news and technological advances could be dangerous

I write in reference to Rashmee Roshan Lall's article Deepfake technology could create huge potential for social unrest and even trigger wars (August 1): your writer's opinion piece was meaningful and very accurate.

Today we have reached an extremely dangerous point where more and more technology is being developed with increasing sophistication and as a result, news which is fake or has been manufactured is spreading even further and being passed off as real news.

Ms Roshan Lall is right to point out that this combination could bring about social unrest and even casualties in developed societies.

Much of the blame lies with us for providing plenty of information for hackers to exploit.

This was a well-written and very informative article.

K Ragavan, Denver