The Deputy Chairman of the Russia Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Rushan Abbyasov, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdurahman Al-Ahmad. The meeting was attended by Ildar Galeyev, head of the International Department of the RMC.

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia informed that the Government of the KSA decided to allow the performance of Hajj this year, but special conditions have to be observed. This year only 60,000 Saudi citizens and foreigners permanently residing in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to perform hajj.

Rushan Abbasov noted that the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and Russia Muftis Council headed by Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin fully support the decision taking into account the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He also said that due to current circumstances it was the sacred duty of every believer to do everything in order to protect his own life and health, as well as those of people around him.

"I am sure that by the grace of Allah Almighty, our joint efforts will bear fruit in the very near future and we will be able to resume our collective rituals," he added.