Saudi authorities have urged Muslims performing Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, to avoid crowding and maintain physical distancing while carrying out rituals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
The Ministry of Hajj emphasized that physical distancing reduces the risk of spreading contagious diseases and helps prevent respiratory infections.
In a post on X, the ministry stated, “Avoiding jostling ensures a safe Umrah.”
The ministry has also consistently recommended that worshippers wear facemasks in both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina to protect themselves from viral and respiratory illnesses.
Pilgrims are further advised to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather, by drinking plenty of water.
This year’s Umrah season, which runs year-round, began in late June following the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which saw approximately 1.8 million Muslims from around the world in attendance.
According to Saudi officials, around 13.5 million Muslims performed Umrah last year, with plans to host 15 million pilgrims next year.
In recent months, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has introduced several new measures to facilitate Umrah for Muslims. The Umrah visa has been extended from 30 to 90 days, allowing holders to enter the country through all land, air, and seaports and depart from any airport. Women pilgrims are no longer required to be accompanied by a male guardian.
Muslims holding various types of entry visas, including personal, visit, and tourism visas, are now permitted to perform Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is located at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, after booking an e-appointment.
Additionally, Saudi citizens can invite their friends from abroad to visit the kingdom and perform Umrah.
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Support independent journalism
If you want to join us in our mission to share independent, global journalism to the world, we’d love to have you on our side. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you can rest assured that you’re making a big impact every single month in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.
