Umrah is one of the most important duties followed by Muslims, and this pilgrimage can be performed at any time during the year. In a big development, Iran’s Umrah pilgrims are expected to make a long-awaited return to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Yes, according to a report by the Hindustan Times, it was revealed that the pilgrims will be boarding the flight from December 19 onwards, after this had been held on a pause for eight years.
Iran Pilgrims To Return For Umrah To Saudi Arabia
After nearly a decade, Iran pilgrims are finally beginning to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 19 onwards. As reported by Iranian media on Wednesday, December 13, this is the latest sign in the thawing relations between the two rival nations in the Gulf region.
As such, the flights will be taking off from 10 airports around Iran. After this, pilgrims will be carried on a year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. According to reports by Fars news agency, it was mentioned that China mediated this agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.
This Is Happening After Nearly 8 Years
In case you aren’t aware, the development comes after relations were cut in the year 2016. This happened after Riyadh executed a Shi’ite Muslim cleric. And this was followed by the subsequent storming of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Since then, pilgrims from Iran have only completed the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a mandatory religious duty of the Muslims. So, what this means is that now Iranians would also be able to complete Umrah!
For those who aren’t aware, Umrah is the lesser of the two pilgrimages. Yes, and it can be taken all year round! Not to mention, it is not deemed compulsory in Islam. It is expected that approximately 70,000 pilgrims from Iran might be travelling to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024.
Importance Of The Holy City Of Mecca
As mentioned previously, Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and is also the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the faith. So, located in the desert valley of Western Saudi Arabia, this city allows only Muslims. Dating back to the seventh century, the central Masjid al-Haram surrounds the Kaaba, which is a cloth-covered cubic structure. Not to mention, it is also the most sacred shrine in Islam!
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Not The Only Umrah-Related Development
Recently Saudi Arabia also revised its visa rules for Indian Muslims wanting to perform Umrah. Yes, going by the new regulations, Indian Muslims would no longer require a specific visa for the pilgrimage. Yes, so they will be able to perform this with a work or tourism visa, as revealed by the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister.
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First Published: December 14, 2023 2:42 PM