ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Monday decided to hold Hajj this year with “avery limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities already residingin the Kingdom”.
“This decision has been taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe mannerfrom a public health perspective while observing all preventative measuresand the necessary social distancing protocols,” the Saudi Ministry of Hajjand Umrah said in a statement shared on the twitter handle of the Kingdom’sForeign Ministry.
The decision came as an extraordinary measure to protect the people fromthe risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hajj Ministry said as the COVID-19 had spread to over 180 countrieswith seven million cases and half a million deaths, it was important toconsider the risks of the disease and the infections spreading in crowdedgatherings where it was difficult to maintain safe social distancing.
It mentioned that the top priority of Saudi Arabia was to enable the Muslimpilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah rites safely and securely.
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“[Saudi Arabia] has been keen since the beginning of the pandemic to takeall necessary precautionary measures to protect pilgrims including bysuspending the entry of Umrah pilgrims while ensuring the safety of thepilgrims already present at the holy sites,” it said.
The ministry said the “decision had received many approbations from Islamicand international organizations in recognition of its wide contribution tofighting the virus globally and supporting the efforts of healthorganisations in limiting the spread of the deadly disease.”
“The Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is honoured toserve millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually and it confirms thatthis decision stems from the top priority it accords maintaining the safetyof pilgrims on its land until they depart to their home countries,” itadded.
