SAUDI ARABIA TO HOLD HAJJ UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Mon 10 May 2021:

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Sunday that the Kingdom will hold the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah under special conditions to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hajj will be held in a manner that preserves the health and safety of pilgrims, in line with the health, security and regulatory controls and standards, so that pilgrims can perform their rituals in a safe environment, the ministry said in a statement.

A ministry spokesman said the Kingdom would announce the mechanism and conditions for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage at a later date.

“Health authorities in the Kingdom continue to assess the situation and are taking all measures to ensure the safety of all,” the spokesman said during a press conference.

Last year, the Kingdom only allowed a limited number of those living in the country and who met certain criteria to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and required for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.

Those who managed to secure a spot were randomly selected through an automated raffle system, with no human involvement, according to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

The group was required to self-isolate at home seven days prior to arriving in Mecca, as part of the requirements to participate in the pilgrimage.

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