Mecca, October 4, 2020. -
HOGP / AP / SIPA
With the easing of restrictions against the coronavirus, worshipers will be able to travel to Mecca more easily.
Saudi Arabia reopened Islam's holiest site to Muslims on Sunday for the first time in seven months and increased the number of pilgrims allowed to 15,000 per day.
Wearing protective masks, Saudi citizens and foreign residents of the kingdom were allowed to pray inside the Grand Mosque.
Gradual resumption of umrah
“Citizens and residents performed Salat Al-Fajr, [the dawn prayer], at the Grand Mosque on this day as [authorities] begin to implement the second phase of the gradual resumption of umrah,” or small pilgrimage, the official Saudi press agency SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia had already authorized in early October up to 6,000 citizens and foreign residents per day to make this pilgrimage, after its suspension in March due to the pandemic.
It can be done all year round unlike the hajj, the great pilgrimage which is limited in time.
In addition, a maximum of 40,000 people will now be allowed to pray at the Grand Mosque.
The faithful coming from abroad will be accepted from November 1, when the number of pilgrims for umrah will be increased to 20,000 people.
And 60,000 worshipers in total will then be allowed on the scene, according to the Interior Ministry.
Thorough disinfection
As part of the measures taken concerning the holy places, the black stone encrusted in one of the corners of the Kaaba, which it is usual but not obligatory to touch during the pilgrimage, will be out of reach and the Great Mosque will have to be disinfected. before and after each group of the faithful.
Thermal sensors have also been installed to take the temperature of the pilgrims, authorities in Mecca said.
World
In Saudi Arabia, is the Interior Ministry lifting the veil obligation?
Vigilance!
World
Women appointed to important positions in Mecca and Medina
Pilgrimage
Islam
Mecca
World
Covid 19
Coronavirus
Saudi Arabia