Saudi announcement for the resumption of Umra: Prof Ebrahim Moosa Comments on BBC World News

In his comments to the BBC, eminent Islamic scholar Prof. E. Moosa points out: “Based on the safety measures adopted during the July 2020 ḥajj with few pilgrims and a safety health measures this move is based on that confidence. Umra if done safely can instill confidence for travel under optimal safe conditions. The Muslim community the world over will welcome the resumption of Umra visits (i.e. voluntary visits to the Muslim holy places in Makka and Madina), as announced by Saudi authorities. Prof. Moosa suggests that the discretion to allow pilgrims will obviously consider transmission levels in country of origin but authorities should ensure that visas do not exclude pilgrims who have fewer means and only favor those from privileged backgrounds and countries of origin.