Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, turned into a heartbreaking ordeal for thousands of worshippers this year. As the faithful flocked to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia, they faced intense heat that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 pilgrims.100 people among those killed are also from India.
The Grim Toll
- Heatwave Havoc: The searing Saudi summer sun pushed temperatures to a scorching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Pilgrims, including elderly ones, collapsed, requiring urgent medical assistance. Dozens succumbed to sunstroke.
- Unregistered Worshippers: Shockingly, more than half of the deceased around 630 out of 658 were unregistered pilgrims. These individuals attempted the Hajj through irregular channels, unable to afford the often costly official permits.
- Global Impact: The death toll spanned across nationalities. At least 58 Egyptians and 41 Jordanians lost their lives. Tunisian authorities reported 35 fatalities among their pilgrims.
Unique Rules for the Departed
- Buried in Mecca: Unlike the practice in most countries, where bodies of those who die abroad are repatriated, Hajj has distinct rules. Pilgrims accept that if they pass away during the journey, their bodies will be buried in Mecca. For Muslims, dying in this holy city is considered a blessing.
- Shrouded in Faith: Pilgrims carry their own shrouds, prepared for this sacred purpose. Upon death, their bodies are identified—usually by a bandage tied on their hand and sent to a local hospital for post-mortem. The death certificate is then issued and eventually sent back to their home country.
Climate Change Concerns
- Rising Temperatures: A Saudi study revealed that temperatures in the region are rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius (less than one degree Fahrenheit) per decade. The Hajj’s timing, determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, once again coincided with the sweltering Saudi summer.
- Vulnerable Groups: Unregistered pilgrims, lacking official permits, faced additional risks. Denied access to air-conditioned spaces provided for authorized pilgrims, they endured hours of walking and praying in the scorching heat.
A Heartbreaking Climax
- Arafat Day: The hajj’s climax involves day-long outdoor prayers. Exhausted and vulnerable, many pilgrims suffered due to the extreme conditions.
- Missing Loved Ones: Jordan confirmed the deaths of 68 nationals, with 16 others still missing. Families honored their wishes by burying them in Mecca.
As the global Muslim community mourns these losses, questions arise about climate change’s impact on future pilgrimages. Saudi authorities must grapple with balancing tradition, safety, and the growing challenges posed by rising temperatures.
Please note that the figures and details mentioned above are based on official statements and reports from diplomats. The Hajj pilgrimage remains a deeply significant journey for Muslims worldwide, but this year’s tragedy underscores the need for vigilance and adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
