SAUDI ARABIA: Muslims all around the world were in the past few days greeted with the good news that Hajj was expected to return to normal this year.

The news comes after two years of restrictions that were brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced plans to open the annual pilgrimage to foreigners having restricted spiritual activities to citizens and residents within the Kingdom in the past 24 months.

In a major turnaround, Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry scrapped most of the Covid-19 restrictions, including social distancing and the wearing of masks outdoors.

The interior ministry said while it would also end social distancing in Masjid-ul-Haram in Makkah Mukarramah and Masjid-un-Nabawi in Madinah Munawwarah, worshipers would still be required to wear masks.

South African Muslims are expected to be part of foreign pilgrims that will head to Arafat later this year.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk