The hope of some Nigerian Muslims to visit the Holy Lands of Mecca and Medina this year for pilgrimage has been dashed by the Saudi Arabia authorities which has banned such travel travels due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The country’s authorities said they would only allow a limited number of Muslims already resident to perform the Hajj this year.
In a statement on Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the pilgrimage will take place “this year with a very limited number of those who want to perform the Hajj from all nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia only,’’
It said the decision aims at ensuring preventive measures and social distancing protocols are observed to limit the spread of COVID-19, saying- “in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings.’’
More than two million people perform the pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca every year, including many travelling from abroad.
It usually takes place over five days, from the eighth to the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
