His Eminence Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's decision to temporarily halt visas for the umrah pilgrimage following the recent global outbreak of the corona virus.

His Eminence stressed Islam's position towards the prevention of the spread of diseases while insisting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position is not only correct but religiously valid as it protects Muslim pilgrims to Mecca and Medina.

The Grand Imam also wished the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud continued success and blessings in his noble efforts.