The Syrian Opposition Coalition’s Supreme Hajj Committee announced that it would not organize Hajj journeys this year in line with the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to restrict the ritual to Saudi residents only.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Committee said that “we regret to inform you of our decision to suspend the arrival of pilgrims from outside the Kingdom for the current Hajj season of 2020 (1441 Hijri) in line with Saudi Arabia’s announcement that the annual pilgrimage would be restricted to a very limited numbers of pilgrims of all nationalities who are already residing in the country because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Committee cited Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as saying that “the decision is taken to ensure Hajj is safely performed while committing to all preventive measures to protect Muslims and adhere strictly to the teachings of Islam in preserving our health and safety.”
It pointed out that intending pilgrims whose applications for the current hajj season were approved will have priority to perform the upcoming Hajj season of 2021.
It also said that its offices will continue to receive inquiries and give counsel throughout the year.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah attributed its decision to the global outbreak of the coronavirus in more than 180 countries around the world. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
