Obligatory solely for many who can afford it financially in addition to bodily, Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the fifth and last pillar of Islam. Liable to be carried out not less than as soon as in a lifetime, it happens yearly within the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah however with the raging of the coronavirus at present, Hajj for this 12 months stands cancelled. Also Read – ‘You Are Spreading Corona’: Delhi’s GTB Hospital Security Guard Beaten up by Neighbours
An enormous occasion by way of mass gathering, the pilgrimage sees greater than two million Muslims from internationally, wearing easy white garments, performing the annual pilgrimage for 10 days within the holy metropolis of Mecca. A press release by the official Saudi Press Agency citing the Hajj ministry of Saudi Arabia mentioned, “It was decided to hold the pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers … with different nationalities in the kingdom.” Also Read – With Guidelines in Place, UK Relaxes More Lockdown Restrictions
The Hajj ministry’s assertion shared, “This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings.” Also Read – Singapore to Hold Snap General Elections Amid COVID-19 Crisis
After reportedly receiving a telephone name from Saudi Arabia’s Haj and Umrah minister Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, who advised to not ship pilgrims from India for Hajj this 12 months, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi mentioned, “We have decided that Haj pilgrims from India will not be sent to Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020. Application money of more than 2.3 lakh pilgrims will be returned without cancellation deductions through direct transfer.”
We have determined that Haj pilgrims from India is not going to be despatched to Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020. Application cash of greater than 2.three lakh pilgrims will likely be returned with out cancellation deductions by means of direct switch: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/I5LdufNOhs
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2020
Hajj 2020 will likely be held from July 28 to August 2. The annual pilgrimage will happen this 12 months just for these already residing within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
