At least 1,301 pilgrims lost their lives during this year’s Hajj, as reported by Saudi Arabia, with a significant portion comprising unauthorised individuals who succumbed to the intense heat. The pilgrimage coincided with a severe heatwave, where temperatures soared above 50°C (122°F).
The Toll of Unauthorised Pilgrimage
The majority of the deceased did not hold official permits and had undertaken long journeys on foot, exposed to the relentless sun without adequate shelter. Among those who died were elderly individuals and those suffering from chronic illnesses, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Saudi Health Minister, Fahd Al-Jalajel, highlighted that significant efforts had been made to educate pilgrims on heat stress and its mitigation. Despite these efforts, nearly half a million pilgrims required medical attention, with over 140,000 lacking official permits. Many continue to receive treatment for heat exhaustion in hospitals.
“May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families,” Al-Jalajel expressed.
Criticism and Repercussions
The Saudi government faces criticism for not implementing sufficient safety measures for unauthorised pilgrims, who do not have access to amenities such as air-conditioned tents and official transportation.
The extreme temperatures in Mecca reached a staggering 51.8°C, as reported by Saudi Arabia’s national meteorological centre. Various countries have been updating the death tolls of their citizens, with Saudi Arabia only recently providing an official count.
- Egypt reported 658 deaths among its citizens.
- Indonesia confirmed over 200 fatalities.
- India reported 98 deaths.
- Additional deaths have been reported from Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
Global Responses
In light of the tragic events, global reactions have been swift. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors for enabling illegal pilgrimages. Jordan detained several travel agents involved in facilitating unauthorised travel to Mecca. Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs in response to the crisis.
The Hajj Experience
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is a mandatory religious duty for all Muslims who are financially and physically capable. This year, approximately 1.8 million people participated in the pilgrimage, according to Saudi authorities.
Permits for Hajj are allocated on a quota system and distributed via lottery. However, the high costs involved lead many to attempt the pilgrimage without permits, risking arrest and deportation if apprehended. Before the commencement of Hajj, Saudi authorities reported the removal of hundreds of thousands of unauthorised pilgrims from Mecca.
The tragic loss of lives during this year’s Hajj underscores the need for more robust measures to ensure the safety of all pilgrims, especially those without permits. The global Muslim community mourns the loss of their fellow pilgrims and calls for increased vigilance and support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
