Hajj Will Be Possible For Some Pilgrims In Saudi Arabia

Strict safety measures will be put in place in order to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus

Individuals living within Saudi Arabia who wish to participate in Hajj throughout the 2020 season will be able to do so, as government agencies roll out stringent safety measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Arabian Business, face masks must be worn by worshippers, social distancing observed throughout (one-and-a-half metres of spacing between each individuals) and touching the Kabaa is strictly forbidden. Gatherings and meetings have also been banned.

“Last month Saudi Arabia announced that it will allow around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom to perform the hajj this year, due to coronavirus, with admission to the holy sites – Mona, Muzdalifah and Arafat – from July 19 to August 2, granted only to permit holders,” the business magazine reports.

This is the first time in the Kingdom’s modern history that muslims outside of the nation have not been allowed to perform hajj, a must for able-bodied muslims at least once in their lifetime.

Last year, nearly 2.5 million pilgrims participated in the pilgrimage.

Lead image courtesy of Unsplash/adliwahid