Saudi Hajj ministry calls on Qatar to remove obstacles placed on Qatari pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called
upon the concerned authorities in Qatar to facilitate the arrival of Qataris
wishing to perform the upcoming Hajj and remove the obstacles imposed by the
Qatari government which prevent their citizens and residents from performing
the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement
that the government of Saudi Arabia is taking steps to ensure all means are
used to facilitate the arrival of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims coming from Qatar
similar to what it does towards all Muslims wishing to perform the annual Hajj
or Umrah.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah rejects allegations
made by the Qatari Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs that the government of
Saudi Arabia is obstructing those who wish to visit the holy sites from Qatar
to perform Hajj and Umrah,” the ministry said in a statement carried by the
Saudi Press Agency.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched several
online links to enable Qataris and residents of Qatar to book their places of
residence, contract services, and travel via non-Qatari airlines to perform
their religious duties,” the statement added.
The ministry stressed in the statement the Kingdom’s
rejection of any attempt to politicize the Hajj. It called upon the Qatari
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to enable Qatari pilgrims “to travel and
perform the pilgrimage rituals through all international airlines except Qatar
Airways.”
“They should not prevent them. They should help them
perform the Hajj and Umrah without bringing politics into the matter,” the
statement read.
