How is the Hajj pilgrimage different in 2020?

Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and it is believed that any Muslim who is physically and financially capable should make the trip to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.





Every year around 2.5 million Muslims from all across the globe travel to Mecca to perform the religious rites held over 5 days in Saudi Arabia.


But this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, that number has been reduced to a mere 10,000 people who are already residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



The Saudi ministry notified that 70% of these pilgrims are foreign nationals residing in Saudi Arabia and the rest are Saudi citizens.

The pilgrims have to undergo thermal checks and a 4-day quarantine at a hotel before taking part in the religious activities.
While performing the rituals, the pilgrims have to wear a mask and maintain a distance of 1.5 meters

Another major change that has been introduced is that they are barred from touching or kissing the Kaaba which lies in the center.








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