It happened and Muslims are shattered and confused!
What has shocked Muslims all over the world is the fact that the government of Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned Umrah. This now goes for Saudi residents as well. Previously, the Saudi government had banned Umrah for non-residents. The news was announced after the health ministry had announced three new cases of coronavirus in the country on Thursday.
Indeed, this news was heartbreaking and terrifying because it is said that Masjid al-haram is that one place where every second, there’s at least someone doing their ‘tawaaf’. However, the order was made to ensure Masjid al Haram is free of germs and disinfect the entire place.
Some more pics of the empty Mataf at al-Masjid al-Haram in #Makkah.
Everything is being cleaned and sterilized while Tawaf continues on the second floor. pic.twitter.com/jlIvVbdvv1
— تمر 🇸🇦 المدينة (@MadinahDate) March 5, 2020
Clarifying all the rumors about banning ‘Tawaaf’, the authorities said that people are allowed to do perform Umrah on the second floor of Masjid al Haram and urged people not to spread any false rumors.
But people are still heartbroken by the sight of emptiness!
Makkah Empty ðŸ˜video of the mountains, Safaa and Marwa.
Never in the history the Makkah has been so empty. Another sign of getting closer to the judgement day. #Makkah #Umrah #CoronaOutbreak pic.twitter.com/Beog82FZj6— Wasim Bariوسیم باری (@wasim_dr) March 2, 2020
This is heartbreaking!
Coronavirus changing the way Muslims worship across the world.
1.Saudia bans umrah pilgrimage
2.Iran cancels Friday prayer
3.UAE said the Friday prayer shouldn't be more than 10 minutes long
4.Singapore Muslims urged to bring own mats to mosqueMay Allah have mercy on us. Amen pic.twitter.com/yZnNcKih83
— yahya (@sarcastecc) March 6, 2020
This is devastating!
This video of Safa and Marwa was sent to me today by a friend…. Look at how empty it is due to the temporal ban on Umrah as a result of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/WRMmI99Xkt
— Taha (@TahaAdam_) March 2, 2020
 People are questioning the authorities
The person speaking is giving today's date and time…🙄
Saudi Makkah TV is also not showing tawaf and kaaba but Haram only.
Salat is being done way too far from Kaaba..
If thousands are allowed in haram, then why stop Tawaf?? 🙄 pic.twitter.com/5aDqLncfiT— Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) March 5, 2020
Exactly. This is shattering!
I once read an article that said one of the miracles of the Kaaba and a beauty of islam is that during every second of the day there is always SOMEONE making tawaaf. The tawaaf never ever stops.
The hairs on my hand are literally standing, the end is most certainly near. pic.twitter.com/hmUKNcZ9pM— 🌻 (@AaminawithtwoAs) March 5, 2020
Moreover, according to news, Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah and Masjid-e-Nabvi (PBUH) in Madinah will remain closed an hour after Isha and will reopen an hour before the Fajr prayer.
Adding on to that, a notification issued by the Abu Dhabi General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments said that Friday prayers across the United Arab Emirates will be limited to only 10 minutes.
What do you think about this? Do you think it was the right decision made by the government of Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below.
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