Haj 2020 under way amid the pandemic

Covid-19 has not only disrupted lives but it has also tested people’s faith

The annual Haj has got under way in Saudi Arabia, albeit in a downsized format. Owing to the restrictions brought about due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year the kingdom has gone along an executive strategic plan with strict health protocols in place.

The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has designated specific places for the arriving pilgrims to finalise their procedures and implement preventive measures set by the country’s health authorities. This year, only a few thousands will perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

The six-day long ritual (during which the rites are performed) is a spiritual journey for the faithful who carefully plan the trip over years. Haj culminates with the Islamic holiday of Eid Al Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice. This year due to the coronavirus outbreak, numbers have been greatly restricted with strict social distancing and sanitation measures put into effect.

Haj, an important pillar of Islam, usually sees millions of pilgrims from all over the world come together at the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, congregating at the holy sites over a six-day period.

It will be a different experience this year as access to the Haj sites at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat will require special permits. The authorities are also making sure that all pilgrims wear masks. Measures have also been put in place to ensure that pebbles used for the ‘stoning of the devil’ ceremony are sanitised. Pilgrims will not be allowed to touch the Kaaba or kiss the black stone at its corner either. During prayers, pilgrims have to keep themselves socially distanced from other worshippers — all part of the regulations to ensure that the Haj takes place without a glitch and without anyone getting infected.

Saudi Arabia has been one of the hardest hit countries in the region. So far the country has over 270,000 coronavirus cases with more than 2,780 deaths.

The kingdom, often lauded for its efficient management of Haj, has drawn praise from the World Health Organisation with Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief, welcoming Saudi Arabia’s decision to curtail the number of Haj pilgrims amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

The pandemic has challenged the world in myriad ways. Not only have economies and lives been severely disrupted, the coronavirus has also tested people’s faith. To pull off the annual Haj pilgrimage in such a challenging situation is both commendable and uplifting.