Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Will Saudi Arabia Cancel Hajj This Year Over Coronavirus?


Sun 08 Mar 2020 | 02:39 PM
H-Tayea

In light of the precautionary measures recently taken by Saudi Arabia to prevent the outbreak of China-originated coronavirus virus at the kingdom’s holiest sites through suspending the entry of pilgrims to perform Umrah in Makkah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque, some may question about the fate of the Hajj (Pilgrimage ) season this year.

Although the whole world is fighting with all means against the outbreak of this deadly virus, which has spread worldwide, the cancellation of Hajj this year is possible.

The temporary ban on Umrah visas could eventually force millions of Muslims around the world to postpone or cancel a journey that many have eagerly awaited for years. The virus outbreak could potentially affect the much larger annual Haj pilgrimage.

Some Egyptian lawmakers have called for cancelling this year’s annual Haj season, citing fears of a pandemic of the coronavirus.

“The official religious institutions should come out and demand postponing the travel of Egyptians for the Hajj this year until further notice to prevent transmission of the infection that has spread in several Arab countries and in view of Saudi Arabia’s suspension of the Umrah,” MP Mohammad Abu Hamed said.

Last week, Saudi Arabia halted Umrah trips to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina due to the coronavirus scare and as part of a raft of measures aimed to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly ailment that has hit dozens of countries around the globe.

The kingdom said the Umrah suspension is temporary and “subject to regular review”.

However, Muslims are increasingly apprehensive about the prospect of doing any time soon the Umrah, which is a cherished dream for many. One of them is Sabry Abdul Rahman, an Egyptian cafe attendant in Cairo.

The Egyptian Dar Al-Iftaa also said Saudi Arabia’s decision to temporarily suspend Umrah visas over the coronavirus outbreak was in accordance with Sharia law.

“The suspension of Umrah visas due to the coronavirus outbreak preserves the lives of pilgrims,” it said.