After two years of “corona mode” with a significantly reduced number of visitors, Saudi Arabia is again allowing a million pilgrims to visit the holy sites this year as part of the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. Only 1,000 believers living in Saudi Arabia were admitted in 2020, compared to 60,000 last year.
In 2019, before the start of the corona pandemic, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world had made a pilgrimage to Mecca. The five-day Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every devout Muslim who is in good health and who can afford it must participate in a pilgrimage at least once in his life.
Proof of vaccination and test for foreign guests
The severe restrictions of recent years have caused great dismay among many Muslims abroad, who have been completely barred from the pilgrimage. Also this year, participation is limited to pilgrims under the age of 65 who have been vaccinated against the corona virus. Pilgrims from abroad must also present a negative PCR test upon entry.
The government wants to ensure the safety of pilgrims “while ensuring that as many Muslims as possible worldwide can participate in the Hajj,” the Ministry of Pilgrimage said on Saturday.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
