By Lucy Adautin
Saudi Arabia has reported that at least 1,301 people died during this year’s Hajj, with most being unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in intense heat.
The pilgrimage occurred during a heatwave, with temperatures sometimes soaring above 50°C (122°F). The official Saudi news agency, SPA, stated that more than three-quarters of the deceased did not have official permits and endured the journey under direct sunlight without adequate shelter. Many of those who died were elderly or chronically ill.
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that all Muslims who are financially and physically able must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This year, approximately 1.8 million people participated, according to Saudi authorities.
Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel noted efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of heat stress and how pilgrims could mitigate it. Health facilities treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits, with some still hospitalized for heat exhaustion. “May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families,” Al-Jalajel said.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not doing more to ensure the safety of Hajj participants, especially unregistered pilgrims who lack access to amenities such as air-conditioned tents and official transport. Temperatures in Mecca reached as high as 51.8°C, according to the national meteorological center.
Countries worldwide have provided updates on the number of their citizens who died, but Saudi Arabia had not publicly commented on the deaths or provided an official toll until Sunday. A news agency cited an Arab diplomat saying 658 Egyptians had died. Indonesia reported over 200 deaths among its nationals, while India reported a death toll of 98. Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region also confirmed fatalities.
The fallout from the number of deaths, particularly involving unauthorized pilgrims, has been escalating. On Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors for enabling illegal pilgrimages to Mecca. On Friday, Jordan announced the detention of several travel agents who facilitated the unofficial travel of Muslim pilgrims to Mecca. Meanwhile, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs.
Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota system and distributed to individuals by lottery. However, the costs involved prompt many to attempt participation without a permit, risking arrest and deportation if caught. Before the Hajj, Saudi authorities reported removing hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca.
