The Hajj pilgrimage this year, is set to be very different. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of pilgrims visiting Hajj this year to 1,000. In addition, two new rules have been added to ensure safety of worshippers. Pilgrims will be permitted to drink the holy water from the Zamzam well in Mecca. However, this will be pre-packed in plastic bottles. Similarly, pebbles that are usually picked up by pilgrims along hajj routes, will now be sterilized and handed over to worshippers at the time of arrival.
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Saudi Prepares For A Very Limited Hajj
For the first time in modern history, the Kindgom of Saudi has put a cap in the number of domestic pilgrims attending the Hajj. The number of pilgrims visiting Hajj this year has been reduced to 1,000. In addition, 70% of pilgrims allowed to make the pilgrimage this year will be from among foreign residents of Saudi Arabia and 30% would be Saudi citizens.
Saudi pilgrims will be selected from among healthcare workers and security personnel who have recovered from Covid. This is done as a token of appreciation for healthcare workers who have provided tireless care during the pandemic. The new rules also makes it mandatory that foreign residents in Saudi Arabia who want to participate in this year’s pilgrimage should be between the ages of 20 and 50, and that have not performed the hajj before.
All pilgrims must quarantine before and after the hajj and will be also be tested for Covid. Those eligible have until Friday, 10 July to submit an application through the kingdom’s Hajj Ministry’s website.
Hajj sites at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat will be accessible only to those with Hajj permits, for pilgrims and organisers, from July 19 until August 2, 2020. In addition, for the first time, Muslims abroad will not permitted to take part in the pilgrimage. The UAE Hajj Affairs Office (HAO) announced that the country will not participate in this year’s Haj. The decision was made in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
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Rules For Worshippers
1. Pilgrims will not be allowed to touch the Kaaba
2. Worshippers must keep a minimum distance of one and a half metres from one another during mass prayers and while performing tawaf
3. All visitors and staff must wear facemask at all times
4. Pilgrims must bring their own prayer mat and rug
5. All pilgrims must sleep in tents that follow guidelines on social distancing
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