Putting an stop to the months-extensive thriller of no matter if the once-a-year pilgrimage of hajj will be conducted this yr or not, Saudi Arabia on Monday issued an formal statement clearing any uncertainties. While the international locations all over the world, which include India, had been waiting around for Saudi Arabia’s closing term on this year’s hajj, it has been made a decision that the holy ritual will be carried out with limited range of Saudi citizens and inhabitants, barring any worshippers from abroad.

The conclusion is taken in watch of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the very first time at any time, the hajj rituals, which usually is an overcrowded affair, will be carried out with social distancing saved in intellect to avoid the spread of coronavirus. This is also the initially time in the fashionable times that Muslims from around the world will never be attending the two holiest web pages in Islam to conduct the yearly pilgrimage.

“This selection is taken to assure Hajj is executed in a risk-free manner from a public overall health point of view although observing all preventative steps and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the hazards involved with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings,” the ministry that oversees pilgrimages claimed in a statement.

Hajj 2020 from India

Previously this thirty day period, the Haj Committee of India introduced that it would be willing to refund the entire amount of money paid in the direction of Haj 2020 travel. At the exact same time, the committee did not announce at the time that it would terminate all purposes 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 calendar year.

Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia

Coronavirus conditions proceed to increase all around the planet and Saudi Arabia has documented more than 160,000 conditions so far with 1,307 deaths. With above 2 million pilgrims browsing Mecca and Medina every yr all through the Hajj period, the final decision to allow for “restricted amount” of Saudi citizens is a clever and considerate transfer. By canceling Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia’s earnings, which total to $12 billion yearly, have taken a key strike. There’s no word on when Saudi will enable pilgrims for Umrah however.