Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Minister Dr. Muhammad Saleh Benten has urged Muslims from all countries to wait until there is more clarity about COVID-19 before confirming hajj contracts for 2020.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports that the Kingdom is exerting all efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Sheikh Benten says while Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims there are concerns about the Coronavirus.
“The Kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens and so we have asked our brother Muslims in all countries to wait before doing (Haj) contracts until the situation is clear.”
Sheikh Benten says the Health Ministry has also completed inspection of the hotels in Makkah.
“All the pilgrims that couldn’t go back to their countries because of the lockdown, will be given the five-star hotels including medical assistance, counselling assistance, etc. They will also be taken care of as long as its necessary.”
Sheikh Benten says the Kingdom has also refunded all those that booked Umrah visas and couldn’t perform Umrah due to the temporary precautionary suspension, adding that only a small number of people have been allowed to perform tawaaf of the Ka’ba so as to not exacerbate the COVID-19 spread.
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