SAUDI ARAB: Saudi Arab’s decision to halt the Umrah pilgrimage over the fear of ‘coronavirus’ outbreak has shocked hundreds of Muslim devotees across the world.
The interior ministry said on Wednesday the Kindom has suspended year-round umrah pilgrimage to the Holy cities of Makkah and Madina over growing fears of COVID-19 outbreak.
The Umrah has been suspended for citizens and residents temporarily. The decision comes after the Kingdome of Saudi Arab suspended the entry of six national Gulf Cooperation Council citizens from entering Makkah and Madina.
Deputy Minister Hajj and Umrah Abdulaziz Wazzan said in a statement this is the first time Umrah has been suspended completely.
He added Umrah is a non-obligatory ritual and the Kingdom has not put any restrictions on the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj pilgrimage will begin at the end of July this year.
Statement by Al-Azhar
Al-Azhar said, in a statement today, “These measures are permissible, legitimate and rewarded. Rather, they are a legal duty to protect people.”
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Saudi Arab suspends Umrah pilgrimage
A precautionary measure
The temporary ban on the entry to the Holy cities of Makkah and Madina until further notice is a precautionary measure. The world has witnessed the outbreak of deadly coronavirus and the extreme preventive measures being taken around the world.
Saudi Arab intends to prevent the spread of deadly coronavirus over its territories particularly the two Holy Mosques.
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Saudi Arab praised
A large number of pilgrims visit the KSA for Hajj and Umrah throughout the year. The suspension of the pilgrims from entering into the country will have a great economical setback.
THE KSA, however, has announced the temporary ban on foreign as well as local pilgrims to prevent the outbreak.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is being praised for the decision globally by rulers and leaders.
Haram of Makkah is currently empty
Haram of Makkah is currently empty
Entry into Mataaf of Masjid Al Haram suspended Tawaf in the Mataf has temporarily been stopped in the Haram of Makkah as a precaution for the Coronavirus so it is currently empty.
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