Saudi gets global commendation for decision on hajj

THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been praised for its decision to hold this year’s hajj with only a limited number of pilgrims from various nations who already reside in the Kingdom due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Thursday.

The Sudanese Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowment, commended the decision, saying in a statement that it valued Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving pilgrims.

Also, the Islamic Cultural Association of Cameroon said: “this right procedure comes in line with the purposes of the Islamic Sharia’s provisions to protect human lives and the safety of the pilgrims.”

Malaysia equally welcomed the decision. A joint statement issued by Malaysian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Islamic Affairs said: “Malaysia fully supports the decision of the Kingdom’s government, which reflects the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on ensuring the safety and securely of pilgrims, in line with the requirements of global public health.”

In the same vein, the Grand Mufti of the Republic of Rwanda, and president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Rwanda, Sheikh Hatimana, praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve the two holy mosques and pilgrims.