Over 1,300 Pilgrims Die During Hajj

At least 1,301 pilgrims have tragically lost their lives during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with the majority being unauthorized participants who endured extreme heat. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that these pilgrims walked long distances under the scorching sun, with temperatures often soaring above 50°C (122°F).

More than 75% of the deceased did not have official permits to participate in the pilgrimage, leading them to traverse harsh conditions without proper shelter or resources. The SPA noted that many of the victims were elderly or had chronic illnesses, exacerbating their vulnerability to the severe heat.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the efforts made to educate pilgrims on preventing heat stress. “May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families,” he stated.

Al-Jalajel highlighted that health facilities had treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits. Despite these efforts, many pilgrims continued to suffer from heat exhaustion, with some still receiving hospital care.

Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not providing sufficient safety measures, particularly for unregistered pilgrims who lack access to air-conditioned tents and official Hajj transportation. The extreme heat in Mecca, which reached a peak of 51.8°C, posed significant risks.

International reactions have been swift, with various countries reporting the number of their citizens who perished. Egypt reported 658 deaths, Indonesia over 200, and India 98. Other countries, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, have also confirmed fatalities.

The fallout from the high death toll, particularly among unauthorized pilgrims, has led to stringent measures against those facilitating illegal pilgrimages. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors. Jordan detained several travel agents, while Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs.

Hajj permits are distributed through a quota system by lottery, but the high costs often drive many to attempt the pilgrimage without proper authorization, risking arrest and deportation. Before Hajj commenced, Saudi authorities had already removed hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca.

Despite the tragic losses, Hajj remains a significant religious duty for Muslims worldwide. This year, approximately 1.8 million people participated in the pilgrimage, underscoring the enduring spiritual importance of this journey to the holy city of Mecca.