The Hajj pilgrims completed on Sunday the holy rituals and have since departed the holy city of Makkah amid tight health measures to protect them from the novel coronavirus.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah al-Mashat told Asharq Al-Awsat that the pilgrims departed Makkah to their homes where they will self-isolate. They were tested for the virus ahead of their departure.
The Health Ministry will follow up on the pilgrims during their time in isolation. It will contact each of the pilgrims regardless of their location inside the Kingdom.
The pilgrims concluded the Hajj on Sunday by performing the final “farewell” tawaf, or circumambulation of the holy Kaaba.
Mashat said the rituals were performed smoothly and without incident.
He added that the organization of the Hajj demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s strong capabilities in investing its human, financial and technological resources in service of the pilgrims.
The experience they have accumulated over the years in organizing the Hajj shined this year amid the coronavirus pandemic and the new challenges its posed.
The Muslim World League hailed the success of this year’s Hajj amid the outbreak. It praised the Kingdom’s high efficiency in organizing the pilgrimage despite the challenges, highlighting its success in maintaining health standards among the worshippers.
MWL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa hailed the services provided by the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen congratulated Saudi Arabia for its successful hosting of this “extraordinary” Hajj.
He stressed that the Kingdom presented an example on crisis and crowd management, noting that it successfully met the challenge of holding the Hajj amid the pandemic. No virus cases were detected among the pilgrims.
He credited these achievements to the right choices that were taken throughout the Hajj.
Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Shawki Allam hailed Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the pilgrimage, crediting it for providing all necessary medical services and precautions in spite of the pandemic.
