Government tightens access to the holy city of Mecca to prevent a virus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. FMTNews SaudiArabia
Pilgrims arrive at the King Abdulaziz Airport for the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca last Saturday.
The foreign press are barred from this year’s haj, usually a huge global media event, as the government tightens access to the holy city of Mecca and puts in place strict health restrictions to prevent a virus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage — a key pillar of Islam. They were given elaborate amenity kits that include sterilised pebbles for a stoning ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, a seamless white garment worn by pilgrims, according to a haj ministry programme document.
The ministry said non-Saudi residents of the kingdom from around 160 countries competed in the online selection process.But it did not explain how many applied, and some disappointed pilgrims have complained that the government-run lottery was not clearly outlined and say no reason was given for their rejection.
Despite the pandemic, many pilgrims consider it is safer to participate in this year’s ritual without the usual colossal crowds cramming into tiny religious sites, which make it a logistical nightmare and a health hazard.‘Substantial cost’
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
8 rakyat Malaysia antara jemaah haji tahun ini, lapor media | The Malaysian InsightArab Saudi hanya membenarkan 10,000 umat Islam terpilih mengerjakan haji tahun ini kerana wabak Covid-19.
Read more »
'Kami bukan kluster kayangan'KualaLumpur Shahida antara 200 rakyat Malaysia yang menetap di Arab Saudi dan masih menantikan tarikh penerbangan khas untuk pulang ke tanah air.
Read more »
'A Quiet Place 2' and 'Top Gun: Maverick' postponed until 2021 due to Covid-19 (Mark your calendar) | Malay MailLOS ANGELES, July 25 — After Warner and Disney, Paramount has decided to push back the release dates for its next blockbusters, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the number of cinemas closed worldwide, particularly in the United States. The hotly anticipated follow-ups of A Quiet Place and...
Read more »