International body calls for Islamic meeting to discuss the fate of Umrah and Hajj
The International Monitoring Board for the Saudi Administration of the Two Holy Mosques said that the fate of the Umrah and Hajj rites should not be left to the Saudi authorities to decide individually in light of fears of the spread of the emerging Covid 19 Coronavirus.
In a statement, the international body affirmed the necessity of holding a comprehensive Islamic meeting that would produce a unified vision regarding the management of the two holy mosques at this stage in a way that fulfills the interests and considerations of Muslims throughout the world.
The organization warned that the decision to prevent pilgrims from accessing the Islamic holy sites to contain the new Coronavirus is a matter for all Muslims, even if it is necessary concerning preventive measures.
In this regard, she indicated that there are differences of opinion, some of which suggest that religion is prior to health considerations and that Hajj is a ritual that cannot be canceled. Therefore the decision on this must be collected without the sole control of the Saudi authorities.
The international body expressed its opposition to the Saudi authorities’ unjust suspension of Umrah without any contact with Islamic countries and by ignoring many pilgrims who bear long waiting lists and invest their savings to make the religious journey.
It is noteworthy that the International Authority for Monitoring the Saudi Administration of the Two Holy Mosques was established at the beginning of 2018. The aim was to ensure that Saudi Arabia does a good management of the holy sites, preserving historical Islamic sites, not politicizing the feelings of Hajj and Umrah, and preventing Riyadh from singling out the holy sites.
The commission says that all Islamic countries represent it, and that it is keen to ensure that Saudi Arabia does not harm the holy places, whether it comes to incompetent management or any type of administration based on policies linked to individuals or influential people.
