Today marks the start of Hajj rites. In Mecca, millions of Muslims from around the globe have been welcomed to attend the holy pilgrimage. People from Qatar, however, have faced unjust discrimination.

The Saudi Government's actions have prevented thousands of people from Qatar - citizens and expats alike - from performing Hajj. And despite Saudi’s recent “re-opening” of the land border (and generous offers of free air travel for Qatari pilgrims) Qatar’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has received no communication or cooperation from the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi.

This means that it is still virtually impossible for pilgrims from Qatar to perform Hajj.

It is clear that the illegal blockade of Qatar has failed to bring the country and its people to its knees. And it seems that Saudi is resorting to the desperate tactical move of using the holy pilgrimage in order to further their political agenda.

This action is a clear violation of human rights and is in direct contradiction to the Islamic values of brotherhood, equality, and mutual respect.

There should be no mixing between political disputes and religious rights. Every Muslim should be able to perform their religious duties without any conditions and rules from the government of Saudi.

PC: indianexpress.com