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Faced with uncertainties related to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Saudi authorities called on Tuesday, Muslims from all countries to suspend their Hajj preparations. Belgian news agency Belga recalls that earlier in March, the Wahhabi kingdom suspended the umra ritual to avoid the spread of the virus.
This measure has raised concerns about the future of this great religious rite, which brings together millions of pilgrims from different countries each year. Quoted by Belga, Saudi Minister of Pilgrimage Mohammad Benten said that Saudi Arabia was «fully prepared to serve pilgrims», but under the current circumstances, it was first necessary to «protect the health of Muslims and citizens».
«We asked our Muslim brothers in all countries to wait, before signing a contract (with companies to perform the hajj, ed.), until the situation is clear», he said.
Scheduled for late July, the hajj has not yet been officially canceled by the Saudi authorities. In 2019, it brought together 2.5 million pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has 1,563 cases of new coronavirus and 10 deaths. Among other measures the country has taken to prevent the spread of the pandemic, it has decided to suspend collective prayers in mosques.
