Saudi Arabia Hosts Scaled-Down Hajj Pilgrimage in 2020

DUBAI, KOMPAS.com — Muslim pilgrims have made their way to Mecca for a scaled-down hajj pilgrimage amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi authorities are trying to balance the kingdom’s oversight of one of Islam’s key pillars while ensuring visitor safety as the global transmission of the Covid-19 virus continues.

Normally, the hajj pilgrimage draws approximately 2.5 million people for five days of intense worship, making it one of the world’s largest gatherings of people from around the world.

This year’s hajj begins on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry said that between 1,000 and 10,000 people currently residing in Saudi Arabia will be permitted to perform the hajj pilgrimage.

Two-thirds of those pilgrims will be foreign residents in Saudi Arabia while the remaining one-third will be Saudi citizens.

The kingdom has one of the Mideast's largest outbreaks of the coronavirus, with more than 266,000 reported infections, including 2,733 deaths.

Fatin Daud, a 25-year-old Malaysian studying Arabic in Saudi Arabia, was among the select few whose application for hajj was approved.

After her selection, Saudi Health Ministry officials came to her home and tested her for the Covid-19 virus.

She was then given an electronic bracelet that monitors her movement and told to quarantine for several days at home.

After that, Daud was moved to a hotel in Mecca, where she remains in self-isolation, still wearing the electronic wristband.

A large box of food is delivered to her hotel room three times a day as she prepares to begin the hajj.

“It was unbelievable. It felt surreal because I was not expecting to get it," she said of her excitement when she found out she was selected. Daud said she's praying for the end of Covid-19 and for unity among Muslims around the world.

“I am confident that safety measures are being taken and that the only thing that we need to do as pilgrims is follow instructions, and try our best to support each other," she said.

While self-isolating has been emotionally challenging, Daud said she is part of a group of about 10 Malaysian and Singaporean pilgrims connecting online and sharing tips and religious exercises to keep busy.