Saudi Arabia announces that Haj will be held this year but with a very limited number of pilgrims and in compliance with precautionary measures including a ban on older pilgrims and additional health checks.
However, according to report by Arab News, only Saudis and expatriate residents from various nationalities are allowed to perform the Haj rituals this year, as a precautionary measure to avoid crowds and stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Saudi authorities said the decision is in line with the keenness of Kingdom’s leadership to ensure the public safety amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
The pilgrimage, which is scheduled for late July this year, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with more than 2.5 million pilgrims visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.
Saudi Arabia asked Muslims in March to put their Hajj plans on hold and suspended Umrah until further notice.
Hajj will take place this year, Saudi Arabia confirms.
Related Posts
France Bans TikTok In Riot-Hit New Caledonia
Spread the loveFrance Bans TikTok In Riot-Hit New Caledonia France deployed troops to New Caledonia’s ports and international airport, banned TikTok and imposed a state of emergency Thursday after three…
Emir Of Ilorin Sends Muslim Group To Sack Mosque Hosting Christians
Spread the loveEmir Of Ilorin Sends Muslim Group To Sack Mosque Hosting Christians Members of an unidentified Muslim group recently stormed a worship centre that plays host to both Christian…