“This decision was taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective,” the government statement said. All able-bodied Muslims are required to perform the Hajj pilgrimage once in their lifetime. Saudi Arabia had already suspended the smaller year-round umrah pilgrimage earlier this year and closed the Grand Mosque in Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, to the public. The city of Mecca was also under a strict lockdown for around two months. Although Saudi Arabia has lifted some restrictions in recent days around the country, the umrah continues to be suspended and its borders remain shut to visitors and tourists.

Source: Irish Independent June 22, 2020 19:09 UTC