Hajj Pillgrimage 1441H/2020M Suspension

What about the turn of the pilgrims who were supposed to perform the pilgrimage in 1442H / 2021? Do they have to wait another year to perform the pilgrimage?

  •  It is unlikely that future pilgrims who are supposed to perform the hajj in 1442H/2021 will have to wait another year as it is subject to the current quota vacancy.
     
  • The hajj pilgrimage candidates for 1442H/2021 will be given the first priorities for pilgrimage next year, after candidates for 1441H/2020 have been given their priorities.

Has the world-wide outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the istitho'ah (ability) conditions in performing the pilgrimage?

  • The Hajj Resolution Muzakarah (Resolusi Muzakarah Haji) in 2019 has established that the istitho'ah principle of either physical (badaniyyah) or health (sihhiyyah) is one of the mandatory requirements of Hajj pilgrimage.
     
  • If a doctor confirm that the pilgrim is at high risk for developing Covid-19 disease during the hajj season, then the pilgrim with a chronic illness will be considered ineligible in terms of their physical and health status.
     
  • Therefore, the obligation to perform the pilgrimage is inapplicable for the said pilgrim.

What is the applicable hukum (law) for travelling in and out of a country with an outbreak?

  • The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad when dealing with an outbreak of a disease that infects a place is narrated according to the following hadith: -

    “If you hear of an outbreak of a country, then do not enter it. And if you are in that area do not go out to escape it ” (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)
     
  • Since the whole world including Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are still suffering from the outbreak, the postponement of Hajj Pilgrimage for 1441H / 2020 is a part of the world-wide solution. 

What is TH Senior Management’s advice to all Malaysian pilgrims and Muslim community?

  • The decision of the Malaysian Government to delay the pilgrimage to the Holy Land this year has taken into account various aspects following the outbreak of the Covid-19 outbreak worldwide. In the current situation, the Covid-19 outbreak is still a threat to lives around the world.
     
  • TH believes the Government's decision is for the best for everyone involved. The postponement of the pilgrimage has occurred in the history of the world before.
     
  • The welfare, safety and health of pilgrims from all over the world who would gather in the Holy Land is very important in during every pilgrimage season.
     
  • As we all know that in the obligation of performing the pilgrimage it is subject to one's ('Istito'ah') ability.
     
  • Among the features of Istito'ah are health, safety, finance and quota (i.e. being selected as a pilgrim).
     
  • TH advises all pilgrims to be at ease and accept this decision.
     
  • With the sincere intentions and continued efforts of the pilgrims, we pray that Allah will reward us accordingly if we are sincerely accept His provisions.
     
  • TH advises all pilgrims this year to take the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge in pilgrimage and to make proper preparations in terms of spiritual, physical, health and finance.
     
  • Let us increase our prayers to Allah, that we may be chosen as his Honoured Guests in the upcoming pilgrimage season.
     
  • TH will be giving priority to the originally selected 1441H/2020 pilgrim candidates for consideration for the 1442H / 2021 hajj season.

Why is this year's pilgrimage suspended by the Government of Malaysia?

  • The outbreak of the Covid-19 outbreak worldwide has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020.
     
  • The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic poses serious public health risks worldwide. The outbreak has affected more than 7.4 million people while over 418 thousand have been killed.
     
  • In Saudi Arabia alone, as of June 10, 2020, there are over 112 thousand cases of Covid-19 infection, with over 40 thousand cases in Makkah and 11 thousand cases in Medina.
     
  • According to the official statement made on June 11, 2020, the Government of Malaysia has made the final decision to postpone Hajj pilgrimage for Malaysians, for safety, health and well-being of Malaysians.