North-Caucasian believers ready to postpone the Hajj because of pandemic

Over 3000 Dagestani Muslims have paid for their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, but in case this year's Hajj is cancelled due to the pandemic, they may have their money back or book tours for the next year, the "Marva Tour" travel agency has promised. The residents of Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, and Ingushetia, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot", said they were ready to cancel their trips.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that this year's pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia is under threat of cancellation due to coronavirus. Nevertheless, Northern Caucasus has begun receiving applications from those who wish to perform the Hajj. In the coming days, it will be decided whether pilgrims will be able to get to Mecca this year, the Russian Hajj mission has informed.

Khalid, a resident of Makhachkala, had planned to go on Hajj, but after the coronavirus spread has intensified, and the situation has worsened both in Saudi Arabia and around the world, he is thinking of cancelling the trip.

Madina Shabatukova, a resident of a Nalchik suburb, said that she had intended to go on Hajj, but the pandemic has changed her plans.

"I'm without work; I couldn't raise money for the Hajj; and I also consider it a risky trip to Hajj. The first coronavirus case in Kabardino-Balkaria was just the person who had returned from Saudi Arabia," the woman said.