The Saudi government has reported that at least 1,301 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj, with the majority being unauthorised participants who walked long distances in extreme heat.
The pilgrimage, which took place amidst a severe heatwave with temperatures soaring above 50°C (122°F), saw many pilgrims succumbing to the harsh conditions.
According to the official Saudi news agency SPA, over three-quarters of those who perished did not possess the necessary permits for Hajj. These pilgrims faced the intense heat without adequate shelter, walking under the relentless sun. The agency also noted that many of the deceased were elderly or had chronic health conditions.
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is a religious duty for all Muslims who are financially and physically capable. This year, approximately 1.8 million people participated in the pilgrimage, Saudi authorities reported.
Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel highlighted the efforts made to educate pilgrims on the dangers of heat stress and preventive measures. Health facilities provided treatment to nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits. Some of these individuals remain hospitalized due to heat exhaustion. “May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families,” Al-Jalajel stated.
Despite these efforts, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not doing enough to protect unauthorised pilgrims, who lack access to facilities like air-conditioned tents and official Hajj transportation. The Saudi national meteorological center recorded temperatures in Mecca reaching as high as 51.8°C.
Countries worldwide have been updating their citizens on the fatalities, with varying tolls. The AFP news agency quoted an Arab diplomat saying 658 Egyptians died, while Indonesia reported over 200 deaths among its nationals. India confirmed 98 fatalities. Additional deaths were reported by Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.
The high death toll, particularly among unauthorised pilgrims, has sparked significant backlash. On Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors for facilitating illegal pilgrimages. Jordan detained several travel agents on similar grounds, and Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs.
Hajj permits are distributed on a quota system, allocated to countries and then to individuals via lottery. The costs associated with official permits drive many to attempt the pilgrimage without authorization, risking arrest and deportation if caught. Prior to Hajj, Saudi authorities reported the removal of hundreds of thousands of unauthorised pilgrims from Mecca.
As the fallout continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, authorised and unauthorised alike, in future pilgrimages.