THE haj – among the five pillars of the Islamic faith – is markedly different this year.
Few pilgrims were seen circling the Kaaba while following social distancing, as opposed to millions who occupy the place every year.
Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, numbers will have to be restricted and social distancing and sanitation measures will be put into effect during the pilgrimage.
Pebbles used for the ‘stoning of the devil’ ceremony will be sanitised and handed to pilgrims and no pilgrims will be allowed to touch the Kaaba or kiss the black stone at its corner – both of which are regular customs during the haj.
During prayers in congregation, participants will have to wear a mask and keep themselves socially distanced from other worshippers. – July 31, 2020.
Pilgrims holding coloured umbrellas and matching coloured rings separating them as a Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic measure while circumambulating around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque in f Mecca, at the start of the annual haj pilgrimage on Wednesday. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.A handout picture provided by Saudi Ministry of Media showing pilgrims attending prayers at Namira Mosque on Arafat Day, the climax of the haj in Mecca. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.An aerial picture of pilgrims’ housing tents near the Arafat mountain in Mecca. Saudi Arabia is hosting the annual haj pilgrimage, which is dramatically downscaled due to the coronavirus pandemic and has barred millions of international pilgrims for the first time in modern history. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.The Grand Mosque which houses the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, in Mecca. Saudi Arabia is hosting the annual haj pilgrimage, which is dramatically downscaled due to the coronavirus pandemic and has barred millions of international pilgrims for the first time in modern history. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.Pilgrims circumambulating around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque in of Mecca, at the start of the haj. Mask-clad pilgrims began the annual haj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.A deserted street leading to the Grand Mosque in Mecca during the annual haj pilgrimage amid the Covid-19 pandemic. – AFP pic, July 31, 2020.Security personnel guarding pilgrims to maintain social distancing as they walk at the Masjidil Haram, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. – EPA pic, July 31, 2020.Pilgrims circling around the Kaaba at Masjidil Haram, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. – EPA pic, July 31, 2020.
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