Millions of Muslims from around the world have gathered in Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage, which is considered one of the most significant religious events in Islam. However, this year’s pilgrimage has been marred by tragedy as authorities in Jordan and Iran have reported that a total of 19 pilgrims from their countries have died during the hajj.
The Jordanian foreign ministry revealed that 14 Jordanian pilgrims had passed away and 17 others were missing. Similarly, the Iranian Red Crescent chief stated that five Iranian pilgrims had lost their lives in Mecca and Medina during this year’s hajj. The exact cause of death for these pilgrims has not yet been released, but it is believed to be related to the extreme heat and dehydration caused by performing rituals outdoors on foot.
The hajj pilgrimage is a challenging event that requires participants to take precautions to protect themselves from the sun’s harsh rays. Despite this, many people continue to participate in this important religious event every year. Saudi Arabia has implemented measures to mitigate the heat, such as providing climate-controlled areas, water distribution, and advice for pilgrims. However, these efforts may not be enough to prevent fatalities caused by extreme heat during the hajj.
A study conducted in Saudi Arabia suggests that regional temperatures are increasing by 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade, potentially outpacing the efforts to mitigate extreme heat during the hajj pilgrimage. Despite these challenges, millions of Muslims continue to participate in this important religious event every year.
