JEDDAH — Muslims all over Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world heaved a sigh of relief as they start observing the fasting month of Ramadan in an air of spirituality and joy, fully free from the coronavirus pandemic fears and restrictions. It was similar to a thunderbolt in the clear sky for the faithful when they were restricted from performing congregational prayers and Friday prayer at the Two Holy Mosques and other mosques in all regions of the Kingdom for several months following the outbreak of coronavirus in March 2020, a few weeks before the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. Consequently, the Saudi authorities suspended Umrah pilgrimage for both domestic and foreign pilgrims. Prayers were suspended at all mosques while prayers at the Two Holy Mosques were allowed only for the Haram Presidency officials and cleaning workers for a few months. The prayers at the Holy Mosques and the Umrah pilgrimage were resumed in a phased manner following the receding of the pandemic cases. The holy month of Ramadan comes this year after lifting most of the precautionary measures and preventive protocols that were imposed following the outbreak of the pandemic two years ago. Pilgrims and worshippers are allowed to use the full capacity of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah without maintaining social distancing after a hiatus of two years. Hundreds of thousands of Umrah pilgrims from within the Kingdom and from all around the world are expected to arrive in the Kingdom during Ramadan, which marks the peak season of Umrah every year. The Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and other authorities and security agencies have mobilized all their capabilities and resources to offer the best possible facilities and services for the Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. The mass iftar meals and itikaf are allowed for the first time after a gap of two years. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said that dry food such as bread and cheese and similar kinds of food are allowed inside the Two Holy Mosques during the month of Ramadan. He said the ritual itikaf would be resumed at the Holy Mosques in line with the updated rules and regulations. The presidency has started issuing permits through its official website. Itikaf, the ritual of staying in a mosque solely for the purpose of worship and meditation, was suspended at the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan in 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The suspension of itikaf continued during the Ramadan of 2021 as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of coronavirus. As many as 100,000 worshipers used to perform itikaf in the Two Holy Mosques during the last 10 days of Ramadan
