The seven minarets of the Great Mosque of Mecca will feel lonely. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the great pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, which begins Wednesday July 29, will be organized in a very reduced format. Instead of seeing 2.5 million faithful parade, like last year, the holiest city in the Muslim world should only accommodate a few thousand believers, 10,000 at most. A minimal, almost symbolic affluence, which constitutes a first in the history of Saudi Arabia, a kingdom founded in 1932.
To prevent the hajj from turning into a “super-contaminator”, like the evangelical gathering in Mulhouse at the end of February but at a power of 1,000, the Saudi authorities have decided to keep Mecca closed to foreign pilgrims. This decision was taken at the end of February, on the edge of the health crisis. Even though no case of Covid-19 infection had been recorded in the country, Riyadh had suspended the issuance of visas for omra, the little pilgrimage, which can be carried out throughout the year .
The authorization to participate in the great pilgrimage, which is traditionally held at the approach of the feast of Eid-el-Kebir, the most important date in the Muslim calendar, has therefore only been issued to a handful of inhabitants of the kingdom. 30% of them are Saudis, medical professionals and members of the military, who caught Covid-19 as part of the state’s efforts to fight this disease, have recovered and see themselves as such rewarded for their dedication. The remaining 70% are foreign residents, chosen by lot.
Electronic bracelet
SARS-CoV-2 continuing to circulate massively in the kingdom, albeit at a slower rate than in the spring – 2,000 new cases per day, against 5,000 in mid-June, a total of 269,000 contaminations and 2,760 dead – people over 65 or suffering from chronic diseases, the most at risk from the virus, have been automatically excluded. The lucky ones, for their part, must comply with a drastic security protocol, before, during and after the pilgrimage.
Upstream, they must undergo a screening test, self-isolate at their home and for some wear an electronic bracelet, allowing the authorities to trace their movements and contacts if necessary. Once in Mecca, they are advised to stay in their hotel room, where they are served a meal, three times a day. Normally billed at a very onerous rate, which can amount to several thousand dollars, the accommodation, food and transport of the pilgrims are fully covered this year by the Saudi crown.
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