Hajj in Saudi Arabia: a fine imposed on pilgrims who have not received a permit

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 8, 2019. REUTERS - Waleed Ali

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It has to be one of the biggest gatherings since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia will organize the hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, from the end of next week.

One million permits have been granted.

But the kingdom wants to ensure that this number will be respected and announced on Wednesday June 29 that a fine would be imposed on anyone who tries to perform the ritual without authorization.

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Ten thousand riyals, or just over 2,500 euros: attempting to reach the holy places of Mecca without authorization to perform the hajj will this year be punished with a fine.

And the Saudi security forces warn: they will be deployed on all the roads that lead to the great mosque of the city as well as to other sacred places of Islam.

Strict application of instructions

With one million permits granted, 2022 should mark the return of Muslims around the world for this pilgrimage.

But the kingdom wants to avoid being confronted with a new massive wave of contamination and intends to impose a strict application of the instructions: King Salman has asked the government to allow the rituals to take place " 

" but also to "

”.

Already, pilgrims wishing to make the Oumrah, the pilgrimage outside the feast of the sacrifice, are no longer authorized to access the holy places, to leave room only for visitors who have come for the Hajj.

And security forces arrested 19 people accused of fraudulently offering services to pilgrims.

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• Saudi Arabia

• Religion

• Islam