Saudi Arabia Restricts Hajj, Minister Of Religion: In Line With The Reason For The Cancellation Of The Government

Illustrated by ibadah Haji (Konevi / Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Fachrul Razi appreciated Saudi Arabia's decision to open the Hajj in 2020 on a limited basis for Saudi citizens and foreign nationals currently living in Saudi Arabia.

According to him, this decision is in line with the Indonesian government's decision to cancel the departure of this year's Haj pilgrims.

"The Saudi decision is in line with the basis for the cancellation of the departure of Indonesian pilgrims announced last June 2, namely the safety of the pilgrims," said Fachrul in a written statement, Tuesday, June 23.

He considered that the steps of the Saudi Arabian government to limit the implementation of the Haj this year were correct. This is because the safety of the congregation needs to be put forward in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has occurred throughout the country.

Moreover, in Islam it is taught that preventing damage must be prioritized over achieving benefits. So, trying to maintain the safety of the pilgrims is the main thing that must be done.

"On behalf of the government, as the Minister of Religion, I appreciate the Saudi decision to prioritize the safety of the congregation in organizing the Hajj pilgrimage in 1441 Hijiriah or 2020 AD," he said.

Separately, the Haj Consul of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah Endang Jumali explained that Saudi Arabia's decision on the implementation of limited Hajj activities was released by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia on June 22 yesterday.

According to him, this decision was based on safety reasons given the COVID-19 pandemic still occurring.

"I have received an official release from the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. For reasons of maintaining the safety of the congregation from the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudis have decided that the Hajj pilgrimage in 1441H will be held in a very limited number," said Endang.

What is meant by a very limited number is only for Saudi citizens and foreign nationals from other countries who live in Saudi Arabia. "That is also a limited number," he said.

He said the Saudis took this decision to ensure a safe and healthy implementation of the Hajj rituals. This limitation, continued Endang, aims to make physical distancing requirements possible.

So, the congregation can be sure of their safety from the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. "This decision comes from Khadimul Haramain's concern for the security and safety of visitors to the two holy mosques," said Endang.

Previously, Saudi Arabia officially banned a number of countries from carrying out the pilgrimage, Monday, June 22. However, allowing it with a limited number, namely pilgrims who are in the country. The implementation of this limited hajj will enforce strict social distancing.

In this way, this year will be the first in modern times, Muslims outside Saudi Arabia are not allowed to perform the pilgrimage.

"This decision was taken to ensure Hajj is carried out in a safe manner from a health perspective while observing all necessary preventive measures and social distancing protocols to protect humans from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with Islamic teachings in preserving human life," said the ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah reported by Reuters, Tuesday, June 23.

Currently, the number of Corona Virus cases in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 160,000, with 1,307 deaths. Over the past two weeks, new infections in Saudi Arabia have continued to increase.

During the Hajj and Umrah seasons, at least 2.5 million people perform the Hajj. From this activity Saudi Arabia generates about 12 billion US dollars a year from Haj and Umrah.