Saudi Arabia Yet to Announce Decision on Hajj
Ali Reza Rashidian told reporters at a press conference on Monday that according to the previous plans, Hajj flights were scheduled to start on the 6th day of the lunar Hijri month of Dhu al-Qa’ada (June 27), but right now everyone is waiting for Saudi Arabia to announce whether or not it is ready to host the pilgrims and ensure their peace, safety and health.
The Saudi Hajj Ministry was slated to announce its decision on Hajj in the holy month of Ramadan (April 25-May 24), he said.
“The announcement was postponed to the second day of the month of Shawwal (May 25) and there was no announcement then, either. We are still waiting (to see what their decision will be).”
Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially able Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once during their lifetime.
Organizing this year’s Hajj is in doubt due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In April, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round Umrah pilgrimage over fears of the coronavirus pandemic spreading to Islam’s holiest cities.
Saudi authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year’s Hajj, scheduled for the end of July. In May, they urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
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