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Virus halts pilgrimages to Mecca, Friday prayers in Iran
Associated Press ^ | March 4, 2020 | Amir Vahdat and John Gambrell

Posted on 03/04/2020 9:29:13 AM PST by Olog-hai

The coronavirus outbreak disrupted Islamic worship in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia on Wednesday banned its citizens and other residents of the kingdom from performing the pilgrimage in Mecca, while Iran canceled Friday prayers in major cities.

The decisions in Riyadh and Tehran affected both Sunni and Shiite Muslims alike.

The Saudi move expands a ban last week on foreigners visiting Mecca and Medina, home to the holiest sites in Islam. That decision alone disrupted travel for thousands of Muslims already headed to the kingdom and potentially affects plans later this year for millions more ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan and the annual hajj pilgrimage. […]

It remains unclear how the ban will be enforced. The government described the suspension as “temporary,” but gave no hint at when it will be lifted. The ban also appeared to encompass the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in nearby Medina.

The decision seeks to “limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic and prevent its access to the Two Holy Mosques, which are witnessing a permanent and intense flow of human crowds, which makes the issue of securing these crowds of utmost importance,” the Saudi government said. …

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine; Local News; Religion
KEYWORDS: coronavirus; covid19; hajj; iran; mecca; medina; rop; saudiarabia

1 posted on 03/04/2020 9:29:13 AM PST by Olog-hai
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To: Olog-hai

Proof imans and jihadists are smarter than lib Austin that’s not shutting down SXSW.


2 posted on 03/04/2020 9:31:18 AM PST by bgill (Idiots. CDC site doesn't recommend wearing a mask to protect from COVID-19)
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To: Olog-hai

Can they still lick Mosques? Asking for a friend.


3 posted on 03/04/2020 9:32:52 AM PST by duckman ( Not tired of winning!)
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To: Olog-hai
Virus halts pilgrimages to Mecca
Bummer, but necessary IMO.
But not to worry, the NCAA just announced that the March Madness tourny will go on as scheduled.
Greedy fools.
4 posted on 03/04/2020 9:40:32 AM PST by oh8eleven (RVN '67-'68)
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To: duckman

consuming camel urine is still OK, in fact, its encouraged for all its healthful properties.


5 posted on 03/04/2020 9:42:30 AM PST by PGR88
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To: Olog-hai

Allah not protecting his minions?


6 posted on 03/04/2020 9:45:23 AM PST by Nateman ( Unless the left is screaming you are doing it wrong.)
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To: Olog-hai

freedom of religion... Rage on the Hajj...

kiss the stone, kiss each other, all in the name of allah sneeze ball.


7 posted on 03/04/2020 9:47:18 AM PST by teeman8r (Armageddon won't be pretty, but it's not like it's the end of the world)
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To: bgill

Horse has “left the barn” in Iran


8 posted on 03/04/2020 9:47:49 AM PST by HangnJudge (Kipling was right about humanity)
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To: duckman

Friend is obviously muslim. Tell him to go for it.


9 posted on 03/04/2020 9:49:28 AM PST by all the best (You)
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To: HangnJudge

The barn will burn to the ground after SXSW.


10 posted on 03/04/2020 9:53:13 AM PST by bgill (Idiots. CDC site doesn't recommend wearing a mask to protect from COVID-19)
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To: HangnJudge
Horse has “left the barn” in Iran

Yep, they should have canceled prayers a month ago.

11 posted on 03/04/2020 10:38:34 AM PST by palmer (Democracy Dies Six Ways to Sunday)
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To: bgill

Proof imans and jihadists are smarter than lib Austin that’s not shutting down SXSW”””

Major sponsors are already pulling out, tho.


12 posted on 03/04/2020 12:20:37 PM PST by ridesthemiles
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To: Olog-hai
"Virus halts pilgrimages to Mecca..."

Dang! Now what do I do with these airline tickets, hotel, and camel reservations?

13 posted on 03/04/2020 4:17:03 PM PST by SuperLuminal (Where is Sam Adams now that we desperately need him)
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