Pilgrim Problems and their Communication Patterns in the Hajj 1434 (H): A Study of the Communicative Ecology of the Pilgrim Community from Egypt
, Vol.2
, Fourth Issue
PP:24 - 61
Authors:
Dr. Osman B.Gazzaz-Assistant Professor - Head of Media Affairs Department,Media Affairs Department,The Institute of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques for Hajj & Omrah Research,Umm al-Qura University
Abstract:
Acknowledgment:
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious the Dispenser of Grace. May His eternal peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (PBUH), members of his household and on his companions, Aameen. All thanks are to Allah Subhanahu-Wa-Ta’la for His mercy, help and for bestowing us with the capacity to undertake and complete this study. This study was fully funded by the Institute of the Custodian Two Holy Mosques for Hajj and Omrah Research, Umm al-Qura University, Makkah al-Mukarramah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The authors gratefully acknowledge the institute’s financial support and would like to record their unreserved gratitude to the Institute’s illustrious Dean, Prof. Dr. Abdul-Aziz Rashad Seroji, and the members of the Research Committee for approving and supporting the project. We are also thankful to our colleagues at the department and to all the post-graduate students who contributed with their time, efforts and invaluable suggestions in various stages of this project. Without their help and support, this project could not be completed.
Abstract :
This study has examined the pilgrims’ problems, their problem related communicative ecology, their satisfaction levels with the services provided and the impact of their communication contacts on satisfaction with services in a probability sample of 250 Egyptian pilgrims. Poor housing, long route bussing problem (tenders’ behavior, speeding, delays etc.), problems in Masha’er (over-crowded tents, lack of eateries, toilets, & transports), and in al-Haram (mix-up of sexes, crowding in and around al-Haram, lack of wheel chairs, toilets) emerged as the most important problems alongside a number of other problems. The pilgrims’ communication ecology in problem situations comprised nine communication sources. Of these, contacts with friends in Saudi Arabia and co-pilgrims made top of the list followed by such community organization sources like mualams/tour operators or their agents, and Saudi officials and the information counters. Electronic billboards also showed up as a source of contact. Of the other mediated sources of contacts, contact with Islamic books, and Egyptian mass media were cited in less than 6 percent of the responses. Mainstream Saudi mass media was not cited as a source of information in problem situations. Stepwise multiple regressions revealed that the most important source of impact on satisfaction was contacts with community organizations. Implications of the impact on satisfaction are discussed and a set of recommendation are derived for communicating with the pilgrims.
Key Words:
Communication patterns, pilgrims' problems, communication environment
Research Language:
English
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