Putting an finish to the months-prolonged thriller of no matter if the once-a-year pilgrimage of hajj will be executed this yr or not, Saudi Arabia on Monday issued an official statement clearing any doubts. Although the international locations close to the world, like India, were ready for Saudi Arabia’s final term on this year’s hajj, it has been made a decision that the holy ritual will be done with restricted number of Saudi citizens and residents, barring any worshippers from overseas.

The decision is taken in see of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 1st time ever, the hajj rituals, which normally is an overcrowded affair, will be carried out with social distancing stored in brain to prevent the unfold of coronavirus. This is also the first time in the present day moments that Muslims from close to the planet will not likely be attending the two holiest internet sites in Islam to accomplish the annual pilgrimage.

“This conclusion is taken to guarantee Hajj is carried out in a harmless fashion from a community wellness viewpoint although observing all preventative steps and the required social distancing protocols to guard human beings from the pitfalls connected with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the life of human beings,” the ministry that oversees pilgrimages explained in a statement.

Hajj 2020 from India

Previously this thirty day period, the Haj Committee of India introduced that it would be keen to refund the whole total paid towards Haj 2020 journey. At the identical time, the committee did not announce at the time that it would terminate all apps for this year’s pilgrimage pending Saudi’s announcement. Now, the Haj Committee of India would have to announce the cancellation of Hajj 2020 from India this yr.

Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia

Coronavirus circumstances carry on to increase about the earth and Saudi Arabia has noted about 160,000 scenarios so considerably with 1,307 deaths. With around 2 million pilgrims going to Mecca and Medina every year for the duration of the Hajj season, the determination to make it possible for “constrained number” of Saudi people is a smart and considerate shift. By canceling Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia’s earnings, which total to $12 billion annually, have taken a key strike. You will find no term on when Saudi will permit pilgrims for Umrah nonetheless.