Marking the month of Hajj during the Covid-19 pandemic
For the second year in a row, the annual Hajj pilgrimage is being transformed by the coronavirus.
Before the pandemic, vast crowds dressed in unstitched white robes would circle the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
They would chant in unison: “Allah, here I am. You have no equal, here I am. Verily, all praise and blessings are Yours and all sovereignty. You have no equal.”
With measures to curb the coronavirus in place, the Saudi authorities decided to allow only citizens and residents of the country to perform Hajj this year.
Hajj takes place during Dhu Al Hijjah, a month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
In Dhu Al Hijjah, and three other sacred months of the year, Muslims are banned from going to war, except in self-defence, and are encouraged to engage in more forms of worship than usual.
When the people of Makkah entered the faith, the Prophet Mohammed and his companions performed Hajj on this month.
In that pilgrimage, Muslims witnessed the ideal application of Hajj rituals. The faithful try to imitate the Prophet Mohammed’s actions to this day.
Mentioned in the Quran for their importance, great significance is placed on good deeds performed during the first 10 days of the month.
Fasting from dawn until dusk is one of the most beloved acts of worship in that period. This fast is not mandatory but is “mustahab”, or recommended.
Most practising Muslims fast on the day that pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat.
This year, that day will fall on Monday, July 19.
Pilgrims travel to Mount Arafat and stay there until sunset.
Prayers are believed to be answered on this day, which is considered one of the holiest of the Islamic year.
In the first third of the month, Muslims recite the Quran and dhikr (praising Allah). Giving alms and, for Makkah’s residents, providing supplies for pilgrims are among the most virtuous deeds.
During Hajj, pilgrims are not encouraged to fast because of the difficulty some might find in performing all of the stages of the pilgrimage.
Day 10 of Dhu Al Hijjah marks the first day of Eid Al Adha. The name is derived from the Arabic word “Al Udhiya”, which means animal sacrifice.
At this time, Muslims who have the means sacrifice their best halal domestic animals – usually a cow, camel, goat, sheep or ram – as a symbol of the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail.
The meat is typically divided among the executor and their family and those in need.
Eid Al Adha lasts for four days. On the first day, Eid prayers are usually performed in the morning, before the sacrifice.
This year, as countries impose different measures regarding congregational prayers, it is unclear if socially distanced Eid prayers will be permitted.