It is the fervent desire of every Muslim in the world to perform Hajj or Umrah at least once in his or her life. The decision taken by the government of Saudi Arabia to allow people who are vaccinated is no doubt the biggest news of the year for all the Muslims around the world (“Saudi Arabia to allow only ‘immunised’ pilgrims to enter two Holy Mosques,” April 8, Gulf Today website).

Saudi authorities said on Monday only people immunised against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims.

The Hajj and Umrah ministry said in a statement that three categories of people would be considered “immunised” – those who have received two doses of the vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior, and people who have recovered from the infection.

Only those people will be eligible for permits to perform Umrah, and attend prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah.

The world is going through its toughest time dealing with an invisible enemy, COVID-19 pandemic, to save the people from the deadly virus. It is important for every country to take precautionary measures to stop the virus from spreading to others and save precious lives.

In the beginning of the pandemic the Saudi Arabian government imposed a travelling ban and allowed limited people to perform Umrah and Hajj.

By the Grace of Allah, the world has developed the COVID-19 vaccine and people are being vaccinated against the virus so gradually the restrictions are being lifted.

I am sure that allowing people who are vaccinated to perform Umrah and Hajj is a precious Ramadan gift from the government of Saudi Arabia to the Muslims around the world.

Wajid Shams

By email