In an encouraging world for the Muslim world, Grand Mosque in Makkah has dropped the condition of social distancing and operating at the full capacity for the first since the beginning of the pandemic coronavirus.
The staff of the Grand Mosque in Makkah were seen removing signs and floor markings that were placed to guide worshippers on social distancing in the viral videos and pictures. The news has left the entire Muslim world joyous.
The worshipper will be praying shoulder-to-shoulder in the Grand Mosque like before. “This is in line with the decision to ease precautionary measures and to allow pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque at full capacity,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Read more: Is Pakistan prepared to send Hajj pilgrims?
Pictures of worshippers standing side by side in the morning prayers were shared online.
However, authorities have maintained the condition of wearing masks on grounds for worshippers and staff. During the covid-19 restrictions, the Kaaba, around which Muslims from all over the world pray, was cordoned off and out of reach.
#VIDEO: Another sign of recovery from #COVID19 as social distancing stickers removed from the Grand Mosque in #Makkah
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) October 16, 2021
Social distancing stickers removed
from Makkah's Grand Mosque#Makkah #GrandMosque #Covid19 #coronavirus #pandemic pic.twitter.com/vak0GxihF1— KUWAIT TIMES (@kuwaittimesnews) October 16, 2021
The number of pilgrims visiting the Kaaba for Umrah and Hajj was significantly reduced for the past two years due to covid-19. As things are returning to normalcy, the number of pilgrims visiting the Kaaba is expected to increase in the coming months.
However, Pakistani pilgrims are still under the travel ban. As per the report released in August 2021, Pakistan was among the 11 countries currently under the travel ban.
Alhamdolillah
Covid restrictions, social distancing is completely removed from the premises of Harmain Shareefain, Makkah and Medina.
Glimpse of this morning Fajr prayer from Makkah Al Mukarramah pic.twitter.com/ddbWZyBDXs
— Hisamuddin Khan (@Hisamud47588796) October 17, 2021
Federal Minister for Religious and Minority Affairs, Noorul Haq Qadri, on Saturday said that government will not increase Hajj and Umrah expense in its efforts to continue to ensure the best possible facilities for the pilgrims.
Read more: How Muslims are controlling the corona spread? Saudi, Iran, Singapore, Jordan vs Pakistan
The minister further stated that they are in contact with the Saudi government and are hopeful that the ban will be completely lifted from Hajj and Umrah for Pakistani pilgrims.
“I assure the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims that we will do our best to offer them better facilities,” he said.