In one month, about 2 million pilgrims have registered themselves to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia through the smartphone application.
At the beginning of last month, Saudi Arabia formulated a plan to gradually resume performing Umrah after a nearly 7-month suspension due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
According to the data of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, about 900,000 pilgrims are also using this app to register for praying in the Holy Mosque of Mecca.
Itimrana app is being used to register to perform Umrah as well as to visit the two holy mosques and visit the Holy Prophet in Madinah.
According to a local newspaper in Saudi Arabia, to register, Muslims have to download the app, upload their data, select the dates available for Umrah or prayers at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi, and obtain the relevant permit.
This application is an effort to prevent the spread of corona virus among pilgrims and worshipers of Saudi Arabia.
On October 4, Saudi Arabia started paying Umrah for people from the state and allowed 6,000 pilgrims to perform Umrah.
On October 18, in the second phase, the government allowed 40,000 worshipers and 10,000 pilgrims per day in Masjid al-Haram.
Later, in the third phase, about 20,000 Umrah pilgrims and 6 million worshipers are allowed to enter the mosque per day, which is still in effect.
The first influx of Umrah pilgrims from outside the state began on November 1, where people were allowed to perform their religious duties after three days of isolation.
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Interview with Ibrahim Al-Amin, Member of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Ibrahim. The recent statistics reveal that around 2 million pilgrims have registered to perform Umrah via the smartphone application in just one month. What prompted such a significant surge in registrations?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Thank you for having me. The increase in registrations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the gradual resumption of Umrah after the pandemic has reignited interest among Muslims worldwide. Moreover, our user-friendly smartphone application has made the registration process much more accessible. Pilgrims can now easily plan their journeys, find necessary information, and book their Umrah slots while ensuring their safety.
Editor: That’s impressive! Could you elaborate on some of the features of this app that have contributed to its success?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Absolutely. The app offers real-time availability of slots, helps with hotel bookings, and provides information about health and safety protocols. We’ve also integrated features that enable users to connect with tour guides and other helpful resources. This has simplified the process and made it more convenient for pilgrims.
Editor: How is Saudi Arabia ensuring the safety of pilgrims during this period?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Safety is our top priority. We have implemented strict health guidelines, such as capacity limits at holy sites, social distancing measures, and regular sanitization protocols. Every registered pilgrim must present a negative COVID-19 test result and adhere to health guidelines throughout their journey.
Editor: As we look ahead, what is the outlook for the Umrah pilgrimage in the coming months?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: We expect the numbers to continue to rise as more people become comfortable with travel and health protocols. Our plan is to increase capacity gradually while ensuring that safety remains a priority. We want all pilgrims to feel secure as they embark on this spiritual journey.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Ibrahim. It seems Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to facilitate a safe and fulfilling Umrah experience for pilgrims around the world.
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Thank you for having me. We look forward to welcoming pilgrims and ensuring they have a memorable experience.
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Certainly! The Itimrana app offers a streamlined experience for users. It allows pilgrims to register for Umrah, schedule visits to the two holy mosques—Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi— and even obtain the necessary permits. The app also provides real-time information about available dates and safety protocols to minimize health risks. These features, combined with our commitment to pilgrims’ safety, have greatly encouraged registrations.
Editor: Safety is indeed a top priority. Can you tell us how the app aids in health and safety measures amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Absolutely. The app is designed not only for convenience but also for health safety. By regulating the number of pilgrims allowed access to the holy sites each day, we can maintain social distancing measures effectively. The registration process through the app allows us to control the flow of pilgrims and ensure adherence to health guidelines, which is essential for minimizing any potential spread of COVID-19 among worshipers.
Editor: Thank you for clarifying that! As we see the numbers of pilgrims rising, how is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah managing this influx?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: We’re implementing our phased approach to gradually allow more pilgrims while monitoring health guidelines closely. In the initial phases, we started with 6,000 pilgrims and have now expanded that to allow up to 20,000 pilgrims and 6 million worshipers daily. This careful management allows us to assess how things proceed and make real-time adjustments as needed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Editor: That sounds like a well-structured plan. Lastly, what message do you hope to send to prospective pilgrims considering their pilgrimage to Umrah during this period?
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Our message is one of welcome and safety. We want to assure all pilgrims that we are dedicated to providing a sacred and safe environment for everyone wishing to undertake this important journey. We encourage them to utilize the Itimrana app to facilitate their registrations and adhere to the safety protocols in place. We look forward to hosting them in this spiritual journey.
Editor: Thank you so much, Ibrahim. We appreciate your insights and wish you all the best in overseeing this significant resumption of Umrah.
Ibrahim Al-Amin: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to speak with you.
