This particular year, extreme heat caused the deaths of hundreds of pilgrims and sent thousands more to hospital due to heatstroke during the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a major religious event for Muslims of the whole world.
Among the victims, there are 165 Indonesians, 41 Jordanians, 35 Tunisians and 11 Iranians, a tragic toll that recalls the extreme conditions faced by the participants in this moment of devotion. The authorities of each country are counting the deaths and caring for the families affected by these losses.
This relentless heatwave has also led to a growing number of people suffering from heatstroke, with more than 2,700 cases recorded by the Saudi government. However, official figures may not yet reflect the full reality of deaths and illnesses, as not all pilgrims are registered with their country’s authorities.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred time when believers come from all over the world to come together, put aside differences and perform important religious rites. Of deep spiritual importance, this pilgrimage is also a source of pride for Saudi Arabia, as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites.
In addition to its religious aspect, the Hajj also has great economic importance for Saudi Arabia. Revenue generated from the pilgrimage is a key part of the kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, aimed at boosting growth and creating jobs for Saudis.
The pilgrimage is therefore essential from both a spiritual and economic point of view, providing opportunities for development and influence for Saudi Arabia, while strengthening ties between Muslims around the world.
Faced with these challenges, Saudi authorities are putting in place measures to protect the health and safety of pilgrims, while ensuring that the Hajj remains a time of devotion and communion. Despite the current difficulties, the spirit of solidarity and determination of the pilgrims remains unchanged, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the Muslim community in the face of adversity.