● At least 577 hajjis have passed away because of extreme heat
● Pilgrim’s resilience is a lesson of piety
As 1.8 million pilgrims came to perform Hajj this year, one of the 5 pillars of Islam, 577 passed away because of the rising temperatures.
The biggest casualties were reported by the Egyptians with 323 victims.
The heat broke a new record with 51.8 degrees, forcing the ausi authorities to treat at least 2,000 pilgrims suffering from heat stress.
Out of the 1.8 million pilgrims this year, 1.6 came from abroad and several countries were impacted by the tragedy.
The local authorities advised pilgrims to use umbrellas and hydrate regularly and avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible.
Many report that the death toll has reached 900 but Saudi authorities did not comment on the tragedy nor did they confirm the number of deaths.
As we see more and more consequences due to climate change, the lives of Muslims around the world are being more and more impacted.
Only 9 months ago, Mecca was hit by a storm, leaving the pilgrims powerless.
In India, a heat wave has reached 53 degrees, forcing farmers to stop their work.
More and more Muslims in Iraq were also unable to afford meat for Eid.
These are challenges that the Muslim world is facing at the moment but this does not prevent Muslims’ faith from overcoming the difficulties and coming together in the performance of Hajj and the celebration of Eid.
May Allah accept their Hajj and grant them the highest of Jannah, Ameen.
