Hajj 2020: Saudi Arabia issues guidelines for scaled down Hajj as pilgrims arrive in Mecca

Muslim pilgrims have started arriving in Mecca for a drastically scaled-down hajj as Saudi authorities balance the kingdom’s oversight of one of Islam’s key pillars and the safety of visitors in the face of a global pandemic.

The hajj, which begins on Wednesday, normally draws around 2.5 million people for five intense days of worship in one of the world’s largest gatherings of people from around the world.

This year, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry has said between 1,000 and 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage.

Two-thirds of those pilgrims will be from among foreign residents in Saudi Arabia and one-third will be Saudi citizens.

The kingdom has one of the Mideast’s largest outbreaks of the coronavirus, with more than 266,000 reported infections, including 2,733 deaths.

[missema]

the performance of Hajj this year would be different at many levels. Saudi Arabia always tries its best to ensure pilgrims have a good experience during their hajj.

[ghafarte]

The spiritual journey of people from over 130 countries is unforgettable!
People from all over the world are watching those pilgrims abide by social distancing while performing Hajj, proving that life goes on but with caution and awareness.

[ghafarte]

I respect the pilgrims for following the precautious measure planned by Saudi Arabia to face the Covid-19 pandemic.
It shows how enlightened Muslims are by following the rules and how strong they get when all of them are together.
God protect them all!

[missema]

I believe downsizing Hajj this year is one of the wise decisions as it allows Saudi Arabia to ensure people’s safety.

[asmapnu]

Saudi Arabia has dedicated efforts to help those who perform hajj this year. Of course, due to the pandemic, it is not possible to have large numbers to prevent Corona

[AqilahBanu]

Isnt Saudia Arabia a rich country even without people from overseas coming for haj prilgrimage and travel to the country? No need to perfrom the prilgrim till there is a vaccine or the pandemic is under control or open to low risk countries only.

[hazelb]

Even allowing 1000 people will still cause more cases....just leave it until next year....is that so difficult??

[Gambit]

But I thought nothing must stop muslims from this pilgrimage.
Funny how god's laws can be changed by man whilst he (biblical he so women are included here) also avoids common sense.
That's religion for you.