Introduction
Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims undertake to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the current Islamic year has seen an impressive number of foreign pilgrims performing Umrah. In this blog, we will discuss the details of the nearly 5 million foreign pilgrims who have performed Umrah during the current Islamic year, the impact of the pandemic on the pilgrimage, and the steps taken by Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Number of Foreign Pilgrims Performing Umrah
The current Islamic year started in August 2021, and since then, nearly 5 million foreign pilgrims have performed Umrah. These pilgrims come from all over the world, with a significant number coming from countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the number of pilgrims performing Umrah has remained high. This is a testament to the significance of the pilgrimage in the lives of Muslims, as well as the efforts of Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Impact of the Pandemic on Umrah
The pandemic has had a significant impact on Umrah, as well as other aspects of life around the world. In the past, millions of Muslims would perform Umrah each year, but the pandemic forced Saudi Arabia to restrict access to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In 2020, the kingdom suspended the Umrah pilgrimage for several months to prevent the spread of the virus. This was the first time in modern history that access to the holy cities had been restricted. However, the authorities in Saudi Arabia have taken several measures to ensure the safe resumption of Umrah.
Steps Taken by Saudi Arabia to Ensure the Safety of Pilgrims
The Saudi government has taken several steps to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the pandemic. These measures include limiting the number of pilgrims, requiring pilgrims to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and implementing strict health protocols, such as social distancing and regular sanitization. Pilgrims are also required to obtain permits and undergo a health screening before traveling to the holy cities. These measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The Significance of Umrah
Umrah is a significant act of worship for Muslims. It is not mandatory like the Hajj, but it is still a highly recommended act of worship that holds immense spiritual value. Umrah involves a series of rituals that are symbolic and represent different aspects of the Muslim faith. Muslims believe that performing Umrah cleanses one’s soul and erases all sins, just like a newborn baby. It is a journey of spiritual renewal and an opportunity to connect with Allah in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current Islamic year has seen nearly 5 million foreign pilgrims performing Umrah, despite the ongoing pandemic. The significance of Umrah in the lives of Muslims cannot be underestimated, and the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety of pilgrims have allowed the pilgrimage to continue. Umrah is a journey of spiritual renewal and an opportunity to connect with Allah in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere. It is a highly recommended act of worship that holds immense spiritual value and has the power to transform the lives of those who perform it.
If you’re planning to embark on a spiritual journey to Mecca for Umrah, you’ll need to secure an Umrah visa before your trip. Our easy-to-use Umrah visa form simplifies the process and helps you obtain your visa quickly and efficiently. Simply fill out the form with your personal and travel information, and we’ll take care of the rest.
