Mecca is known to hold a grand mosque that can save thousands of people during the annual Islam Hajj prayers. This particular mosque is identified all over the world by millions of Muslims. It is also known as Islam’s holiest site. Once a year, the event is carried out, and every Muslim, financially and physically capable of attending, must do so. According to the Islam community, it is mandatory to participate on this occasion once in your life. Performing these prayers as a Muslim allows you to maintain your solidarity to the faith and signifies submission to the almighty.
2020 Mecca annual Islamic pilgrimage
This year, the coronavirus pandemic’s onset disrupted the arrangements and expectations of conducting the Hajj. Shutting down the country limited the ongoing preparations of the occasion. Because of the lockdown, the prayers, which always house millions of people worldwide, were forced to put up safety restrictions. Umrah, a smaller version of the Hajj, was as well suspended.
However, the pandemic restrictions in most countries have been lifted. International flights are back on track. This serves as good news to Saudi Arabia to restore the pilgrimage. Currently, a small number of up to 6000 pilgrims are only allowed to enter the Grand Mecca. One is expected to perform his pilgrimage for not longer than three hours. The privilege of the first phase of the pilgrimage has been extended to the citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia.
COVID Restrictions
The freedom of conducting the Hajj automatically comes with guidelines and restrictions on COVID that all pilgrims are expected to adhere to. Observant Muslims are very keen to perform the Kaaba. It involves praying multiple numbers of times. Usually, up to five times a day. The grand mosque is, therefore, sterilized and cleaned many times a day.
For the Muslims who wish to attend the mosque for Friday prayers, they are expected to make online bookings in advance. This is to restrict a specific number in the mosque to avoid overcrowding in the mosque. The Saudi Hajj minister further stated that for every 20 to 25 pilgrims, a health worker must accompany them with medical teams on standby in case of emergencies.
These restrictions were witnessed in play on Sunday, where less than 50 people were circling the Kaaba while maintaining social distance. It is expected that the second phase of the pilgrimage will allow hosting a larger number, that is, 15000 to 40000 pilgrims. This is also for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. It will take effect from October 18.
Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia
Typically, foreign pilgrims account for the larger numbers compared to the citizens of Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims around the world will take long flights to attend the Hajj. Although there was a Mini-Hajj conducted in July this year, the interior minister affirmed that November 1 travelers could perform Umrah.
More:
- The Coronavirus Challenges the Muslims Faith Amid Ramadan
- Muslims Straighten Rows for Locked Down Fasting
