Egypt redirects Hajj funds to aid those affected by Covid-19

Egypt’s Ministry of Endowment has decided to cancel Hajj (greater pilgrimage) trips that it usually grants its ideal employees (delegation of Sheikhs and Islamic Scholars) every year and instead, redirect the funds to assist Egyptians affected by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The ministry called on people who intend to perform the voluntary Hajj or Umrah this year to instead help those who are needy and are negatively affected by the consequences of the outbreak. Muslims have a religious duty to perform the Hajj at least once in their life provided that they have the means to do so. Accordingly, performing the Hajj more than once is not obligatory and is thus called voluntary Hajj.

Endowment Minister Mohamed Mohkhtar Gomaa also allocated EGP 50 million to support the vulnerable, especially those with irregular employment who have lost their jobs during the current conditions. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia suspended the Umrah to stem the spread of the Coronavirus.

The Saudi state minister said aspiring hajj pilgrims will get back their money if they fail to perform hajj this year due to the spread of coronavirus. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, hajj aspirants are confused about whether hajj will be held at all this year. Hajj flights are scheduled to start from June 23. On March 14, Saudi Arabia has currenly suspended all international flights for to contain the spread of coronavirus.

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