New Delhi, Jun 6: With the coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of abating, it seems unlikely that Muslims from India will be able to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
However, the government will take a final decision on the matter only after Saudi Arabia makes its position on hosting the pilgrimage clear.
A circular issued by the Hajj Committee of India on Friday said only a few weeks are left for the preparatory work in India for Hajj 2020, yet the Saudi authorities have not communicated any further development regarding the pilgrimage.
"In view of the several inquiries received and concerns expressed over uncertainty over Hajj 2020, it has been decided by the Hajj Committee of India that, those pilgrims who desire to cancel their Hajj journey this year, their 100 per cent amount paid so far will be refunded without any deductions," the circular issued by Hajj Committee of India CEO Maqsood Ahmed Khan said.
"Coronavirus cases are increasing in Saudi Arabia and two lakh people have to go from here. We had made preparations, but now there is very little time left. We are waiting for an official word from Saudi Arabia," a top source said.
In response to a question, the source said, "This time, it is unlikely that people will be able to undertake Hajj from India."
Uncertainty has been looming large over this year's Hajj in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and though Saudi Arabia has not made a decision on whether the annual pilgrimage will be held or not, it did ask Muslims to delay their bookings till there is more clarity.
The bilateral annual Hajj 2020 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia was signed last December. In 2020, a total of 2 lakh Indian Muslims were expected to perform Hajj.
Over 95,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 600 deaths have been reported in Saudi Arabia due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Some countries have decided not to send their people for Hajj this time. The most prominent among these is Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
The Hajj 2020 is proposed in the period between late July and early August.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.
Comments
what your forefather done, slave of british or licking british boot... muslims fought hard for this country
did your father borns to godse...then you are najaaes aulad!!!
Your father was traitor...who is licking british boot from long time... as i told you last time 80% dog is nothing in front of 15% lion in forest.. i hope you got my point
what is the contribution of HEGDE community to Karnataka .!!!!
People who have not done anything for Mysore or Karnataka, Just Spread Lies, Hatred,and follow the Britishers policy of DIVIDE AND RULE.
JAI HIND , JAI KARNATAKA
Send these rss chaddidaars behind bar for atleast 12 months period. All will leave peace fully.
Tipu was the only one King who fought till his last breathe against british. He was a big treat to British invader which Is still rememered by the Brishers and written in British history. In his kingdom he respected all religion and their worship place. His administration was with all religions. He never spared any single british supporters in some part of MYSORE greedy people supported the Britisher's to enter our Country and cheated the great king. Fact's are trying to erase from the real history and nothing else. But facts never hidden at any cost by any one. Jai Hind Jai Karnataka! Long Live United India
What did Tipu do in India?? Looted all money, attacked many Hindus and Hindu temple and still court supporting people who stands for tipu
There were many deregatory comments against Godse. Why court not taking action against that.
Total injustice. Tipu was a traitor.
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