The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has been marred by tragedy as hundreds of pilgrims perished amid scorching temperatures. While authorities have remained silent on the official death toll, reports suggest that at least 600 bodies were found at a medical complex in Mecca. The extreme heat, coupled with the massive crowds and pre-existing health conditions of many pilgrims, has raised concerns about the safety of the pilgrimage in the face of climate change.
Extreme heat in Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage has tragically claimed the lives of at least 550 pilgrims, with Egyptians accounting for the majority of the fatalities. The deaths highlight the dangers posed by rising temperatures and the vulnerability of unregistered pilgrims who lack access to adequate services and facilities. Authorities have taken measures to mitigate the heat’s impact, but experts recommend limiting the number of visitors and prioritizing the health of those participating.
At least 19 pilgrims from Jordan and Iran have died from heatstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, while 17 others remain missing. The deaths come amidst record temperatures exceeding 46 degrees Celsius, making outdoor rituals difficult for the elderly. This year’s Hajj, with over 1.8 million pilgrims, faces the challenge of intense heat, with many pilgrims experiencing heat-related illnesses.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This year, it falls on June 17th and marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah and symbolizes sacrifice, community, and sharing joy with loved ones.
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a significant Islamic festival celebrated worldwide. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, as an act of obedience to God. This festival emphasizes the values of faith, sacrifice, charity, and community unity among Muslims.
Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims from around the world have gathered in and around Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with expectations of surpassing 2 million this year. The pilgrimage commences in Mina, followed by a daylong vigil on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon. Pilgrims will then move to Muzdalifa and return to Mina for three days to symbolically stone pillars representing the devil. The Hajj culminates with a final circumambulation in Mecca, known as Farewell Tawaf. Despite the ongoing war in Gaza, Palestinian pilgrims traveled to Mecca on direct flights from Damascus, marking a thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria.
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, is a significant occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj and is associated with prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which begins today, Friday. Pilgrims will perform circumambulation around the Kaaba before moving to Mina, a desert plain outside the city, on the first day of Hajj. The number of pilgrims is expected to grow in the coming months, with hundreds of thousands of Saudis and other residents joining the pilgrimage after it officially begins on Friday.
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operations of Nigeria (AHUON) has partnered with Flyadeal Airline to streamline the airlifting process for Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. This collaboration aims to alleviate the challenges faced by pilgrims, providing them with smoother and more efficient travel arrangements. Despite initial hurdles, the inaugural departure of the first batch of pilgrims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja was met with satisfaction from officials. The partnership extends to multiple batches of pilgrims, with the final group hailing from Kano State. Flyadeal Airline’s involvement addresses the longstanding challenge of limited airline options in Hajj operations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims can embark on their spiritual journey with greater peace of mind.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced that Friday, June 7th, marks the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Consequently, the Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 14th. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and over 1.2 million pilgrims are expected this year. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, will fall on June 16th in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries, while Oman will celebrate on June 17th.
