In an announcement on state media this week, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has banned international visitors from making the Islamic pilgrimage, or Hajj, this year in a bid to control COVID-19. There had been fears the Hajj might be cancelled altogether. But this time, only citizens from countries around the world who are already resident in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to attend.

– TIN Bureau

What is Hajj

One of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. The pilgrimage, which lasts approximately 5 to 6 days depending on the lunar Islamic calendar, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence. – Wikipedia