The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that worshippers no longer need a permit to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Department for Beneficiary Care Service under the ministry made the announcement in a statement posted on its official Twitter account in response to inquiries from worshipers.
However, there is still one condition that must be met: worshippers must be free of COVID-19 infection or contact with a person infected with the virus. The Ministry of Hajj also clarified that a permit is required to perform Umrah or visit the Rawdah Sharif at the Prophet’s Mosque, and appointments must be taken through the Nusuk application or the Tawakkalna application.
The decision to allow prayer at the Two Holy Mosques without a permit during the last 10 days of Ramadan is a significant relief for Muslims planning to visit Saudi Arabia during this period. The Grand Mosque in Makkah is the largest mosque in the world and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Islam, while the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is the second holiest site for Muslims.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has been gradually easing its COVID-19 restrictions in recent months. The country recently reopened its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists, and local residents are gradually returning to their pre-pandemic routines. The Ministry of Health has also been actively encouraging people to get vaccinated and follow all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Overall, this decision to allow prayer at the Two Holy Mosques without a permit during the last 10 days of Ramadan is a positive development for Muslims worldwide. It provides an opportunity for worshippers to visit these holy sites and pray during this important period without the hassle of obtaining a permit. However, it is crucial for everyone to continue following all necessary COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety and health of all worshippers and visitors