Egypt’s Sisi hails Saudi Arabia’s ‘careful’ organization of Hajj rituals amid coronavirus crisis

CAIRO – 31 July 2020: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi congratulated Saudi Arabia for the “careful and successful” organization of Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca) this year, which coincided with the “exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic), the Presidency said.

The Saudi authorities have allowed only 10,000 people to perform the rites of Hajj this year due to the novel virus, and have kept all facilities sterilized, although Saudi Arabia had earned billions of dollars every year from Hajj.

This successful organization of Hajj this year “reflected the Kingdom’s ability, wide experience and keenness to shoulder this sacred responsibility by establishing the most significant Islamic rituals and enabling Muslims to perform the rituals of Hajj pilgrimage after applying precautionary measures that sought to meet the highest safety and health standards and care for the guests of [God] the merciful,” the President said, according to a Presidential statement.

Hajj rituals starts days before Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), the holiest feast in Islam.

The Adha honors the day when Prophet Ibrahim -peace be upon him- was ordered to sacrifice his son, Ismael, and because of his obedience, God substituted Ismael with a ram, and this day has become a feast for Muslims since that day.

“And We have ransomed you with a mighty sacrifice” - Qur’an 37:107

In Islam, the sacrificed animal during Al-Adha is divided into parts, in order for the animal’s owner to be able to give a share of the meat to the needy people.

Tunisian President

Sisi received on Thursday a phone call from his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied, greeting him on Eidul Adha, which starts on Friday.

During the phone conversation, the Tunisian president wished Egypt permanent peace, security and stability, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

President Sisi expressed gratitude to Saied for his nice gesture, wishing Tunisia's government and people all progress, prosperity and peace.

Iraqi President

Sisi held a phone call on Thursday with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih to greet him on Eidul Adha, which starts on Friday.

During the phone conversation, Sisi wished Iraq prosperity, security and stability, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi leader expressed gratitude to Sisi for his nice gesture, wishing Egypt's government and people all prosperity.

Sudan’s Al-Burhan

Sisi held Thursday a phone call with Chairman of Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to greet him on the occasion of Eidul Adha (Greater Bairam).

During the call, Sisi wished more prosperity and stability to Sudan and its people, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said.

For his side, Al-Burhan thanked Sisi over his phone call, and wished more progress and development for Egypt.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince

Sisi held Thursday a phone call with Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Al Jaber Al Sabah to greet him on the occasion of Eidul Adha (Greater Bairam).

Sheikh Nawaf thanked Sisi over the call and wished more prosperity and peace for Egypt.

Algerian President

Sisi held a phone call on Thursday with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune to greet him on Eidul Adha, which starts on Friday.

During the phone conversation, Sisi wished Algeria and its people all stability, security and peace, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The Algerian leader expressed gratitude to President Sisi for his nice gesture, wishing Egypt's government and people permanent progress and prosperity.