Ramadan
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made a significant announcement on Sunday, as reported by Gulf News, stating that pilgrims will not be granted permits to perform more than one Umrah during Ramadan.
This decision aims to alleviate congestion in the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the holy month.
Ramadan typically witnesses a surge in Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah, with thousands of Muslim worshippers flocking to participate in the lesser pilgrimage.
However, in light of the ongoing pandemic and the need to manage crowds effectively, authorities have urged pilgrims to limit themselves to a single Umrah during this period.
The ministry emphasized the importance of allowing others the opportunity to perform Umrah, urging pilgrims to understand and cooperate with this directive.
To implement this measure, the Saudi government has incorporated it into the Nusuk, its online Umrah and Hajj platform. Pilgrims attempting to obtain a permit for a second Umrah will encounter a message indicating permit issuance failure.
The message explicitly states: “To give everyone the chance to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage can’t be repeated in Ramadan.”
This decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims while also maintaining the spiritual significance of Umrah during Ramadan.
By regulating the number of pilgrims and minimizing overcrowding, authorities aim to enhance the overall experience for worshippers undertaking the sacred journey.
It is anticipated that this measure will contribute to a smoother and more organized pilgrimage experience, allowing pilgrims to observe their religious duties with greater ease and peace of mind during Ramadan.
