Islam: Saudis to grant Syrian pilgrims visas for Hajj

Beirut, 18 Oct. (AKI) - Saudi Arabia will issue Syrians with visas allowing them to attend the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca next week, the country's ambassador in Lebanon announced Thursday.

"King Abdullah wants to allows to allow Syrians who want to take part in the Hajj to be able to get visas and this has been communicated to consulates and embassies in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan," Ali Awad Assiri was quoted as telling Lebanese national news agency Nna.

His remarks came after the Saudi news agency Sana earlier reported that Syrian pilgrims would not be able to attend the Hajj as local bureaucrats had failed to process the applications submitted by the Syrian authorities in time.

It is incumbent on all able bodied Muslims to visit Mecca - one of the greatest religious observances in Islam - at least once in their lifetimes, provided they can afford it.

This year's Hajj pilgrimage is taking place from 24-29 October.