Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for 2nd Hajj amid pandemic
By AFP - Jul 18,2021 - Last updated at Jul 18,2021
In this file photo taken on July 31, 2020 pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in the Grand mosque in the Holy City of Mecca, during the annual Hajj (AFP photo)
MECCA, Saudi Arabia Pilgrims began arriving in the holy city of Mecca on Saturday for the second downsized Hajj staged during the coronavirus pandemic, circling Islam s holiest site in masks and on distanced paths.
The kingdom is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated residents to take part, seeking to repeat last year s success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual.
July 18, 2021
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA (AFP) – Pilgrims began arriving in the holy city of Makkah yesterday for the second downsized Haj staged during the coronavirus pandemic, circling Islam’s holiest site in masks and on distanced paths.
The kingdom is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated residents to take part, seeking to repeat last year’s success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual.
This year’s Haj, with participants chosen through a draw, is larger than the pared-down version staged in 2020 but drastically smaller than in normal times, stoking disappointment among Muslims abroad who are barred once again.
After being loaded on buses and brought to Makkah’s Grand Mosque, pilgrims began performing the
Pilgrims arrive in Makkah for second pandemic Haj
July 18, 2021
MAKKAH: Pilgrims began arriving in the holy city of Makkah on Saturday for the second downsized Haj staged during the coronavirus pandemic, circling Islam´s holiest site in masks and on distanced paths.
The kingdom is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated residents to take part, seeking to repeat last year´s success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual.
This year s Haj, with participants chosen through a lottery, is larger than the pared-down version staged in 2020 but drastically smaller than in normal times, stoking resentment among Muslims abroad who are barred once again.
MAKKAH: Pilgrims began arriving in the holy city of Makkah on Saturday for the second Haj during the coronavirus pandemic, circling Islam’s holiest site in masks and on distanced paths.
The kingdom is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated residents to take part, seeking to repeat last year’s success that saw no virus outbreak during the ritual.
This year’s Haj, with participants chosen through a lottery, is larger than the pared-down version organised in 2020 but drastically smaller than in normal times, giving rise to sadness among Muslims abroad who have been barred once again.
After being loaded on buses and brought to the Grand Mosque, pilgrims began performing the tawaf. Many carried umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching summer heat.
Pilgrims arrive inMakkah for second pandemic Haj
July 18, 2021
MAKKAH: Pilgrims began arriving in the holy city of Makkah on Saturday for the second downsized Haj staged during the coronavirus pandemic, circling Islam´s holiest site in masks and on distanced paths.
The kingdom is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated residents to take part, seeking to repeat last year´s success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual.
This year´s Haj, with participants chosen through a lottery, is larger than the pared-down version staged in 2020 but drastically smaller than in normal times, stoking resentment among Muslims abroad who are barred once again.