MECCA - Saudi Arabia is to gradually resume a Muslim pilgrimage which has been suspended for seven months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
From 4 October, up to 6,000 Saudi citizens and residents will be allowed to undertake the Umra each day.
Pilgrims from countries deemed safe will be permitted from 1 November, when the daily capacity will rise to 20,000.
The Umra is an extra, optional pilgrimage that can be undertaken any time of the year.
Although it includes some of the rituals of the most important pilgrimage, the Hajj, they are shortened and there are fewer of them.
No international Hajj means 'no work, no salary, nothing'
The Hajj is a journey that every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically able.
This year, Saudi Arabia allowed only a few thousand people living in the kingdom to undertake the Hajj. It usually attracts about two million Muslims from across the world.(FA)