After a long seven-month’s gap due to the covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia has opened its door for foreign pilgrims to perform Umrah.
Reports say around 10,000 visitors will be reaching the Gulf country for completing their pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca.
The deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, Amr Al-Maddah said the foreigners will have to isolate themselves for three days post stepping into the country and prior to visiting the religious places.
Including the days of isolation, a total of 10 days of stay is being permitted by the nation. Keeping the virus in mind, all the pilgrims will often be tested mandatorily and those found positive will be kept in observation. Moreover, pilgrims only aged 50 or below it is allowed for entering as there is an increased risk associated with the higher age-group people.
During normal times, Saudi Arabia would witness millions of Muslims coming to the country from around the globe for performing Hajj and Umrah every year. While Umrah can be performed any time during the year, Hajj, the most sacred pilgrimage for Muslims, has a predetermined date that comes only once each year. It is considered an act to be done at least once in a Muslim’s life.
The Gulf country also restricted the allowance of foreigners for Hajj with only locals being permitted. Permission for performing Umrah was given in October with capping at 30% of the people it usually allows, coming up to 6,000 domestic worshippers per day.
In 2019, Saudi saw the presence of nearly 19 million people for Umrah.
As the country kept drawing visitors, over 1300 hotels along with hundreds of shops remained full of customers. Cities of Mecca and Medina remained chirpy and full of visitors. However, the image has changed in the past months with the majority of the streets remaining deserted and stores closed due to the pandemic.
Even though Umrah has begun again, none of the pilgrims are permitted to touch the Kaaba now, an act that was previously allowed. Touching it was considered an honor and treasure to be cherished for life.
Kaaba is a structure made of stone enveloped with black cloth. Verses of the Holy Quran are embroidered on the cloth with gold threads. The direction of the Kaaba was the one Muslims faced to offer their prayers.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s administration had drawn pilgrimage as the major source of boosting the economy through tourism. With the pandemic having its own plans, the forecast of having 15 million visitors for Umrah till 2020 couldn’t be achieved.
According to the official stats, Umrah and Hajj combined help produce $12 billion in revenue through hoteling, gifts for family and friends, food, transport, etc.
Instead of the sea of worshippers draped in white, 2020’s July witnessed only some thousands of local Muslims completing Hajj, marking the first event of its kind in modern history.
