Saudi Arabia restricts Muslims from repeating Umrah in Ramazan

RIYADH: As Muslims celebrate Ramazan across the globe, many visit Saudi Arabia during the holy month to perform Umrah to make the most of the blessed period.

Unlike Haj, the pilgrims can perform Umrah as many times as they want on a single trip in accordance with their stay.

However, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has now restricted Muslims from repeating the pilgrimage for the month of Ramazan, which means the faithful present in Makkah will be able to perform Umrah only once, according to Gulf News.

Ramazan usually marks the peak season of Umrah at the Grand Mosque of Makkah, which is Islam’s holiest site. An official handle of the news related to the Haramain, the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque, shared the statement of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah.

As per the statement, the repetition of performing Umrah has been banned during Ramazan to ease overcrowding and congestion.

Moreover, the measure will also give more people the chance to undertake Umrah. The ministry said that no permit has been issued for performing two or more Umrahs in Ramazan, urging the faithfuls to perform only one minor pilgrimage in the sacred month.