Speculation over Haj as virus cases spike in Saudi Arabia
MUSLIM NATIONS SAY THEY ARE STILL AWAITING KINGDOM’S DECISION
Saudi Arabia is expected to scale back or call off this year’s Haj for the first time in its modern history, observers say, as coronavirus cases spike.
Muslim nations are pressing Riyadh to give its muchdelayed decision on whether the annual pilgrimage will go ahead as scheduled in late July.
A full-scale Haj, which last year drew about 2.5 million pilgrims, appears increasingly unlikely after authorities advised Muslims in late March to defer preparations due to the fast-spreading disease. “It’s a toss-up between holding a nominal Haj and scrapping it entirely,” a South Asian official in contact with Saudi Haj authorities told AFP.
A Saudi official told AFP: “The decision will soon be made and announced.”
Indonesia withdrew from the pilgrimage this month after pressing Riyadh for clarity, with a minister calling it a “very bitter and difficult decision”.
Malaysia, Senegal and Singapore followed suit with similar announcements.
Many other countries with Muslim populations — from Egypt and Morocco to Turkey, Lebanon and Bulgaria — have said they are still awaiting Riyadh’s decision.
Only local residents
In countries like France, faith leaders have urged Muslims to “postpone” their pilgrimage plans until next year due to the prevailing risks. Amid an ongoing suspension of international flights, a reduced Haj with only local residents is a likely scenario, the official added.
A decision to cancel the Haj would be a first since the kingdom was founded in 1932.