Saudi Arabia’s Restriction on Umrah Repeats in Ramadan, stirring Controversy
Makkah: As Muslims observe Ramadan worldwide, many travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah during this sacred period.
Traditionally, pilgrims have been able to perform Umrah multiple times during their stay, unlike Hajj.
However, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has imposed restrictions on repeating Umrah during Ramadan, allowing pilgrims to perform it only once. This decision aims to alleviate overcrowding at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Islam’s holiest site.
The ministry stated that this restriction aims to manage congestion and give more pilgrims the opportunity to perform Umrah during Ramadan. They emphasized performing only one minor pilgrimage during this sacred month.
Additionally, Saudi authorities have implemented various measures to facilitate pilgrims during Ramadan, including designated areas for circumambulation and specific gates for entry and exit.