The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced that the annual Haj pilgrimage will be deferred to 2021.

According to MUIS, this move was made to safeguard the health and safety of the Singapore delegation, given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic worldwide.

With this deferment, 900 Singapore pilgrims who have registered to perform their Haj this year will be automatically rescheduled to perform Haj in 2021 instead.

Most of the people scheduled to perform Haj this year are above 50

The annual Haj pilgrimage involves the gathering of about 2.5 million people from all around the world, in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.

According to MUIS, this large scale gathering, which involves pilgrims from all around the world, poses inherent risks for Singaporean pilgrims to participate in the Haj, given the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus.

Of particular concern are elderly pilgrims.

"More than 80 per cent of Singaporeans who are scheduled to perform Haj this year are above the age of 50. The Ministry of Health (MOH) advised that this category of individuals face a greater risk of complications and mortality if they contract the Covid-19 virus," said MUIS.

MUIS also noted that the government has issued a travel advisory against travel abroad, which remains in force. Added Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, during a press conference on May 15:

"This year I'm sure that some might be saddened by the inability to perform Haj, but I am very confident in our communities’ resilience as they have demonstrated throughout this crisis, and during the circuit breaker.

And also trust that our prospective pilgrims understand the need to wait until it is safe to go for Haj, and they will continue to remain patient, as this is a test for everyone."

Logistical challenges in continuing the Haj

In addition, MUIS said that younger pilgrims who are working have expressed challenges in taking leave to perform the Haj, due to concerns over their job security amid the challenging economic situation.

This is compounded by the fact that Singaporean travellers must serve a 14-day Stay-Home-Notice upon their return to Singapore.

The uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic has also made it increasingly challenging to adequately prepare logistical and administrative requirements for the pilgrimage.

Given the current situation, MUIS are unable to assemble a team of doctors and nurses to support this year's Haj delegation, which would compromise the health and well-being of Singapore pilgrims.

"While we want to help our Muslim community to fulfil their pilgrimage, we also have a responsibility to protect the pilgrims and their families, as well as the wider community in Singapore, from the risk of infection," said MUIS.

Saudi Arabia did not make official announcement on status of Haj, but prudent for Singaporeans to defer plans

MUIS has been monitoring developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for some time, ever since the announcement on March 4 of the suspension of the Umrah pilgrimage to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

MUIS also said that Singapore previously expressed its full support for KSA's quick response in implementing precautionary measures against Covid-19, to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims and the global community.

In March 2020, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of KSA issued an advisory to Haj agencies worldwide to stop taking on new reservations or payments with respect to Haj pilgrimage in 2020.

Saudia Airlines also announced the suspension of all international flights until further notice.

Although the KSA has not made an official announcement on the status of Haj pilgrimage for 2020, MUIS has decided that it is prudent for Singapore to defer its Haj 2020 plans to the following year.

"MUIS hopes that this early decision will help ease the anxieties of pilgrims and their families," said MUIS.

Top image from Getty images.