Hajj Preparations Start in Makkah

The annual Hajj pilgrimage preparations have started in the Holy city of Makkah after a limited number of pilgrims are allowed to attend the yearly ritual amid coronavirus pandemic, July 22 is the first day of Zil Hajj in Saudi Arabia that marks the start of this year’s Hajj season.

The annual ceremony to change the Ghilaf-e-Kaaba (Kiswah) would be held on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah at the Grand Mosque of Makkah (Masjid-Al-Haram), The Kiswah will be raised 3 meters above from Tuesday midnight and the unveiled part of the Masjid Al-Haram would be covered with a 2 meter cloth of Ehram.

Saudi Arabian authorities, on June 24, announced that the number of Hajj pilgrims could be limited to less or more than 1,000 for protecting the public health in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Health Minister held a press conference to explain the plan for a very limited number of Hajj pilgrims this year.

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, said Saudi Arabia is capable of ensuring pilgrims’ safety and limiting the number of pilgrims this year is important., He also said that compulsory isolation before and after the pilgrimage will also be enforced.

“The health ministry has accumulated experience in the service of pilgrims, and thus has enough human and technical capacities to serve pilgrims and preserve their health,” He said, Adding that An integrated hospital at holy sites will be provided, along with a health center in Arafat in case of emergencies during Hajj.

Media coverage of this year’s Hajj will be in line with adopted health measures, Medical cadres will also accompany pilgrims throughout their journey.