Riyadh, June 12, 2021, SPA -- The Council of Senior Scholars has voiced support for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's decision to limit this year's Hajj to 60,000 citizens and residents inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the move's contributions to saving lives. In a statement on Saturday, the Council noted that the decision to limit the Hajj for this year (1442 H/ 2021 AD) is part of the coronavirus-containment measures and is aimed at ensuring that Hajj is performed in a safe manner, adding that the decision is in line in line with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings. The statement cited the Holy Quran verses: "Do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction" and a Hadith warning: “If there is plague in a town no one should leave it or go into it.” Citing experts' warning that large gatherings increase risk of coronavirus infections, the Council described the Saudi government's decision to limit this year's Hajj as reasonable, responsible and highly needed to protect human lives and ensure safe Hajj. --SPA 16:16 LOCAL TIME 13:16 GMT 0016 www.spa.gov.sa/w1570752