Hajj1441 – Saudi ministry evaluates hajj pilgrimage for umrah preparation

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Along the end of the 1441 Hijri/2020 hajj pilgrimage, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia began evaluating the implementation of the fifth Islamic Pillar within two weeks.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs Dr. Hussein Al-Sharif said the ministry would immediately begin preparations related to the upcoming umrah season.

He said the ministry would begin evaluating the pilgrimage this year which was held with high-quality arrangements and strict health procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Al-Sharif added that pilgrims should spend seven days in home quarantine and they should not leave their homes during this period.

The Ministry of Health will follow and check up on them in accordance with the health protocols.

He said the pilgrims assembled at their accommodation in Makkah after the completion of pilgrimage on Sunday (Aug 2) and they would then be taken to the airport for those wishing to travel by air.

As for those who will leave for their cities by road, the ministry is providing transportation facilities to them to send them home and would monitor their health conditions and safety while ensuring their compliance with the quarantine rules.

Al-Sharif praised the services, arrangements, and organization for this year’s hajj season that enabled the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

Leaders of Arab and Muslim countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) hailed Saudi Arabia for the implementation of safe hajj.

Reporting by Indonesia Window