Due to the impact of alarm of a sudden and active manifestation of the deadly Mers virus in Saudi Arabia along with construction in the holy city of Mecca have forced cuts in the numbers of pilgrims afford opportunity to perform this year's hajj. In fact, millions of Muslims during the annual pilgrimage head to Mecca as well as Medina, Islam's two holiest sites, providing a possible means for Mers to spread around the globe as pilgrims who may become infected return to their home countries.

Frightening of such a scenario, the authorities have reduced by half the number of pilgrims coming from within Saudi Arabia, and by about 20 percent those from abroad.  Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar brought into prominence during preceding month that this is an exceptional at the same time temporary decision.

May God keep everyone safe

(AW:Samrat Biswas)