The first deputy chairman of the RMC Rushan Abbyasov commented on the restrictions regarding the Hajj pilgrimage in 2020:

“The Saudi authorities decided to allow only a limited number of pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2020. Only those who are currently in the Kingdom will be admitted to Hajj, according to the Ministry of Hajj and the Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As you know, due to the spread of coronavirus the authorities of the Kingdom suspended all rites for umrah, which can take place at any time of the year. The mosques in Mecca and Medina were closed to believers. The Saudi authorities have already addressed the Muslims of the world, asking them to suspend preparations for the Hajj this year until the situation with the coronavirus pandemic is fully resolved.

It is difficult for Muslims not to be able to observe the main pillars of our religion, such as collective prayers, small pilgrimage, etc. Nevertheless, all Muslims, regardless of their country of residence, agreed to follow the restrictive measures for the benefit of the humanity. Muslims demonstrated their solidarity with the decisions of their leaders and agreed to refrain from performing collective religious rites. These measures allowed to slow down the spread of Covid-19 and save the lives of many people, especially the older and more vulnerable ones.

Unfortunately, Covid 19 is still threatening the world. Recurrent epidemic outbursts, rapid spread of the virus, lack of treatment and vaccinations, and the inability to follow basic preventive measures during rituals can lead to serious consequences and cause harm not only for pilgrims, but for the residents of other countries.
The Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russian Muftis Council fully support the decision of the Saudi authorities.

As you know, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz is the Custodian of the two Holy mosques. It was the concern about the mosques that led the Saudi authorities to take this decision. This decision was not easy to take, but the support of Muslims around the world only proved it right.
Muslim scholars emphasize that the basic principle of Islamic law is the preservation of human life. Its importance is highlighted throughout the Qur'an. Thus, the Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا"

“And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful. ”(Surah“ Women ”, ayah 29).

The Almighty also warned Muslims against manifestations of excessive scrupulousness, stating that Islam does not contain anything that was too hard or impossible to do. This is also repeatedly stated in the Holy Quran.

"ومَا جَعَلَ اللهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّيْنِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ"

“He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty” (Surah "Hajj", ayah 78)

Also, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that we need follow religious precepts within the framework of our capabilities, which includes taking care of our health.
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the religion is easy and no one burdens himself in religion but that it overwhelms him. Follow the right course, seek closeness to Allah, give glad tidings, and seek help for worship in the morning and evening and a part of the night.”

Therefore, the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russian Muftis Council request the Russian Muslims to be responsible and resist to provocations. The Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russian Muftis Council also request those pilgrims who have paid for Hajj or umrah this year, to be patient and wait for the next Hajj season. All pilgrims that reserved their trips with the official Hajj operator of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, “Muslim Tour”, will be provided the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage in the next 2021. They will also receive significant discounts for the Hajj trip in 2021. Besides, they keep the right to get a refund. However, it would be more beneficial for both parties to conclude an additional agreement".