Hajj in Saudi Arabia: Over 1,301 Lives Lost

 

Hajj 2024: Over 1,301 Pilgrims Die Amid Saudi Arabia Heatwave

Many who died had walked long distances in the sun without enough shelter, said the Saudi health minister.

At least 1,301 people died during this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia, mostly unauthorized pilgrims who endured intense heat while walking long distances. The pilgrimage took place during a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F).

More than three-quarters of those who died didn't have official permits and were exposed to the sun without enough shelter, reported the Saudi news agency SPA. Some of the victims were elderly or chronically ill.

Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel said efforts were made to inform pilgrims about the dangers of heat stress and how to avoid it. Health facilities treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits. Some are still hospitalized for heat exhaustion.

"May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families," he said.

Saudi Arabia has been criticized for not doing enough to protect unregistered pilgrims, who lacked access to facilities like air-conditioned tents and official Hajj transport. Temperatures in Mecca reached up to 51.8°C, according to the national meteorological center.

While many countries have reported their citizens' deaths, Saudi Arabia only recently provided an official toll. Reports indicate 658 Egyptians, over 200 Indonesians, and 98 Indians were among the dead. Deaths were also reported from Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq's Kurdistan region.

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims who are financially and physically able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. About 1.8 million people participated this year.

The number of deaths, especially among unauthorized pilgrims, has sparked controversy. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors for arranging illegal pilgrimages. Jordan detained several travel agents for facilitating unauthorized travel to Mecca, and Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs.

Hajj permits are distributed based on a quota system and allocated by lottery. Due to the high costs, many attempt the pilgrimage without permits, risking arrest and deportation if caught. Before Hajj, Saudi authorities removed hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca.