Hajj registration loses pace
10 March 2020

Hajj registration loses pace

Amid the global scare over the novel coronavirus, Hajj pilgrims are not registering their names for the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Given this scenario, the religious affairs ministry has urged the pilgrims to register their names without any fear as they would not be able to perform Hajj otherwise.

Read article
Cancelling the Hajj? How conflict, disease often stopped pilgrimage to Mecca long before the coronavirus
9 March 2020

Cancelling the Hajj? How conflict, disease often stopped pilgrimage to Mecca long before the coronavirus

Saudi authorities have stopped pilgrims visiting Mecca because of the coronavirus, leading to fears this year’s Hajj might be cancelled, but this wouldn’t be the first time this happens.

Read article
Mataf is washed, sterilized and incensed 7 times a day
9 March 2020

Mataf is washed, sterilized and incensed 7 times a day

The Mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Ka’ba) and all the entrances to the Grand Mosque are washed and sterilized seven times per day. The areas go through the sanitization and perfuming process thrice between Isha (night) and Fajr (dawn) prayers.

Read article
Over 5,000 Egyptian pilgrims trapped in Saudi Arabia due to virus
9 March 2020

Over 5,000 Egyptian pilgrims trapped in Saudi Arabia due to virus

More than 5,000 Egyptian pilgrims are stuck in Saudi Arabia after flights between the kingdom and several countries, including Egypt, were suspended as part of measures against the coronavirus.

Read article
Umrah Travel Agents on COVID-19, Refunds, and Financial Burdens
9 March 2020

Umrah Travel Agents on COVID-19, Refunds, and Financial Burdens

Umrah travel organizers voice concerns over possible bankruptcy if thousands of customers demand refunds due to coronavirus crisis.

Read article
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Disrupting Pilgrimage Trips For Muslim Americans
9 March 2020

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Disrupting Pilgrimage Trips For Muslim Americans

Saudi Arabia has halted all international travel into the country due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, which has meant that access to Muslim holy sites in the cities of Mecca and Medina has been limited.

Read article
Register for Hajj, leave rest to govt
8 March 2020

Register for Hajj, leave rest to govt

State Minister for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Md Abdullah urged everyone planning to perform Hajj to deposit the necessary payments with time in hand.

Read article
Saudi Arabia, Gulf neighbors report more cases of coronavirus
8 March 2020

Saudi Arabia, Gulf neighbors report more cases of coronavirus

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have recorded four news cases of the coronavirus, taking the total of infections to 11, the kingdom’s health ministry said on Twitter on Sunday.

Read article
‘Customers are entitled to full refunds’ if Umrah trips cancelled
8 March 2020

‘Customers are entitled to full refunds’ if Umrah trips cancelled

Customers ‘should be provided with a full refund of the payments that they have made for their package contracts’ says a leading Hajj organisation.

Read article
Madinah governor reviews measures to protect visitors during Hajj
8 March 2020

Madinah governor reviews measures to protect visitors during Hajj

Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman reviewed preventive measures to protect visitors during the upcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Read article
Precautionary measures to continue
6 March 2020

Precautionary measures to continue

Precautions to prevent infection by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are continuing and the measures being implemented at the ports or in the health facilities are being strengthened further and followed up regularly.

Read article
The historic village of Asham tells the story of the early times of Islam
6 March 2020

The historic village of Asham tells the story of the early times of Islam

The archeological site of Asham is located on the ancient pilgrimage route running along the Red Sea coast from Yemen to Makkah and tells the story of the early times of Islam and is considered an extension of Makkah’s civilization and historical events.

Read article