The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has advised Umrah pilgrims to go to authorized barbershops after performing their rites at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Licensed Barbers
The Ministry has urged all Umrah performers to deal with licensed barbers around the Haram to have their hair cut in order to protect their health.
Such barbershops provide healthy and safe services through the use of clean and sterilized tools.
“The designated places around the Haram guarantee you (the pilgrim] safe and healthy haircut, clean and sterilised tools and medically licensed barbers,” the ministry said in an X post.
Based on the rituals of Umrah pilgrimage, a man must shave his head or cut some hair. Meanwhile, women must cut their hair by the length of a fingertip only, a practice known as taqsir.
Physical Distancing
Furthermore, Saudi authorities have recently advised Umrah pilgrims to shun jostling and keep physical distancing while performing rituals in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
“Avoiding jostling ensures a safe Umrah,” the ministry stated in a post on X.
The ministry has also consistently urged that worshippers wear facemasks in both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina to protect themselves from viral and respiratory illnesses.
In order to ensure a safe and smooth Umrah, the pilgrims are also advised to drink enough amounts of water, particularly in hot weather to stay hydrated.
Umrah Season
The current Umrah season commenced in late June following the successful of 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, which saw around 1.8 million Muslims worldwide.
Approximately 13.5 million Muslims performed Umrah last year, with plans to host 15 million pilgrims next year, according to Saudi officials.
New Measures
Saudi Arabia has recently issued numerous new measures to facilitate Umrah procedures. For example, the authorities have extended Umrah visa from 30 to 90 days, allowing holders to enter the Kingdom through all land, air, and seaports and depart from any airport.
Moreover, those who are holding various types of entry visas, including personal, visit, and tourism visas, can perform Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina after booking an e-appointment.
Saudi citizens can also invite their friends abroad to visit the kingdom and perform Umrah.
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