Muslims entered the fasting and feasting month of Ramadan yesterday with swine flu and the economic downturn adding to security fears in several Islamic countries in dampening the mood.
The threat from the A(H1N1) virus prompted a string of governments to place restrictions on citizens making the pilgrimage to the holy places in Saudi Arabia traditionally made by many Muslims during Ramadan, while financial worries forced many families to cut back on their holiday spending.
In the Saudi cities of Mecca and Medina, which normally do a brisk trade from pilgrims during Ramadan, businesses were braced for their worst holy month in years. The price for package tours for Saudis from Riyadh to Mecca has been slashed by 25 per cent, the English language Saudi Gazette reported. In neighbouring Medina, officials said they expected business to be down by 70 per cent. Saudi newspapers showed pictures of pilgrims wearing face masks to ward of the swine flu, which has killed 16 people and infected more than 2,000 in the kingdom.
Shiite Iran banned its citizens from making the pilgrimage and cancelled all flights to the kingdom for the duration of Ramadan.
A string of religious authorities across the Arab world also urged the faithful to stay at home this year.
In the Saudi capital, shoppers jammed supermarkets until late into the night last Friday to stock up their larders for the extensive iftar meals served to family and friends after the daytime fast ends. Satellite TV networks launched special programming of serial dramas, sitcoms, talk shows and films in a bid to grab market share in the peak viewing period of the year.
Arab News columnist Tariq al-Maeena bemoaned the commercialism that has overshadowed Ramadan's spiritual roots.
"It is a month of introspection, a month of mercy, patience and self-discipline," he wrote.
"Instead, what has been evident are the heavily advertised television serials ... bound to take the viewers away from their activities of faith and keep them up all night."
In other parts of the Arab world without the kingdom's massive oil wealth, financial fears meant families approached the holy month far more cautiously.