Muslim pilgrims observe social distancing rules on the final day of the hajj pilgrimage

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam’s holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Only up to 10,000 Muslims took part in the hajj, a far cry from the 2.5 million who took part in the five-day … Read more

Muslim pilgrims observe social distancing rules on the final day of the hajj pilgrimage

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam’s holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Only up to 10,000 Muslims took part in the hajj, a far cry from the 2.5 million who took part in the five-day … Read more

Social distancing observed as the hajj pilgrimage gets underway in Mecca amid coronavirus crisis 

Strict social distancing measures were in place during the third day of the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca amid the coronavirus pandemic. A limited number of Muslim pilgrims of Saudi Arabia residents gathered at the Great Mosque in Mecca to pray during one of the Islamic rituals of pilgrimage, the Tawaf Al-Ifadah. The symbolic ritual of ‘Stoning … Read more

Muslims begin dramatically downsized Hajj in age of coronavirus

Muslim pilgrims will today begin a dramatically downsized hajj as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. Pilgrims will be required to wear masks and worship at a social distance as they complete one of the five pillars of Islam – which is usually one of the world’s largest … Read more