UNLIKE last year, there was dramatically scaled down Hajj this year in the backdrop of changes that Covid-19 forced in every walk of life in every country of the globe. In view of continuing threat of virus in Saudi Arabia, it was widely believed that the Kingdom would not allow Hajj at all but it successfully managed things and allowed Hajj for limited numbers under strict safety and security arrangements.
Masked pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat, where Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon, for main pillar of the Hajj – Waqoof – and listened to the sermon of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salman Al Mannieh from Masjid-e-Nimra who called on Muslims to observe Taqwa in the face of difficulties and hardships, which are actually a test for human beings. The arrangements made by the Kingdom and observance of safety measures including social distancing by pilgrims sent a clear message that proper planning and discipline matter much in making such events successful even in the backdrop of highly dangerous circumstances.
No doubt, scaled down Hajj disappointed hundreds of thousands of people who had made all preparations for the holy journey (including those from Pakistan) but the decision of the Saudi Government was motivated by its desire to check the spread of the deadly disease and ensure security and health of the pilgrims. According to reports, pilgrims this year are wearing wristbands provided by the Saudi Health Ministry that are connected to their phones and monitor their movement to ensure physical distancing, which is indicative of the level of concern of the Kingdom about safety of pilgrims. Analysts say this is understandable as crowds of millions of pilgrims from around the world could be a hotbed for virus transmission and in the past some worshippers have returned to their countries with respiratory and other diseases. Therefore, it is hoped that the Muslims around the world would realize compulsions of the Kingdom and wait patiently for improvement of the Covid-19 situation for fulfilment of their dreams of undertaking the holy journey.
