Covid-19 vaccination is mandatory for Hajj this year

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Proof of vaccination needs to be supplied by pilgrims before this year’s Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s health minister has stated that vaccination against the Covid-19 virus is mandatory, for the performance of Hajj this year. It is the main condition for the acceptance of pilgrims. Okaz, a Saudi newspaper, has reported that pilgrims will be asked to provide proof of vaccination before being allowed to participate in Hajj.

Muslim man praying at a mosque in saudi arabia

Saudi Arabia prepares for Hajj 2021

Health minister Tawfiqh Al-Rabiah is providing guidance on how to prepare for the Hajj season from now, including the formation of a vaccination committee. Details of the 2021 Hajj season, including numbers of pilgrims allowed entry this year, are yet to be confirmed.

Vaccine uptake in the UK

According to the latest data published by Gov.uk, as of Friday 4^th March, over 20.9 million people in the UK have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 963,862 people have also received their second dose. On the 21^st of February, the UK government announced that its aim is for all adults in the UK to be offered the vaccine, by July 31^st this year.

vaccinated muslim men praying together

Hajj 2021 dates

The days of Hajj are from the 8^th to the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah, the 12^th month in the Islamic calendar. The rituals of Hajj are performed in the span of these 5 or 6 days. This year, the dates of Hajj are from the 17^th to the 22^nd of July.

It is not known what Hajj 2021 will look like but details become clearer with each passing day. To find out more about Hajj and it’s 9 significant rituals, read our article here: Hajj article

By Nasria Begum