The Council of Senior Scholars hailed on Monday Saudi Arabia’s decision to hold the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year with very limited numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, it said that Islamic Sharia calls for the prevention of the spread of diseases from one country to another from the perspective of avoiding or curbing damage before it happens.
It therefore, stressing the importance of holding the pilgrimage without any harm coming to any of the worshippers.
Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that it will hold the Hajj with “very limited numbers for those willing to perform it from all nationalities living inside the Kingdom” due to the pandemic.
Egypt’s Awqaf Ministry praised the move, saying it was in line with Sharia teaching on preserving lives, while also ensuring that the holy rituals are held.
From its headquarters in the holy city of Makkah, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation lauded Saudi Arabia on its decision, saying the pandemic has led to “extraordinary” circumstances that demands that authorities take necessary measures to protect pilgrims.
The move is just another of the wise decisions taken by Saudi authorities out of their keenness on the safety of worshippers, it added.
