[News Terms] Pilgrimage Disaster... Chaos During 'Islamic Haji' Amid Heatwave

The Islamic regular pilgrimage 'Hajj' held amid the 'deadly heat' with maximum temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius was utter chaos.

On the 16th (local time), a regular pilgrimage crowd gathered in Mina near Mecca, the holiest site of Islam in Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi Arabia's state-run SPA news agency on the 24th (local time), Fahad Al-Jalajel, Minister of Health, announced that a total of 1,301 people died from heat-related illnesses during the Hajj period. This figure is more than six times the number of deaths last year. This is the first time an official death toll related to this year's pilgrimage has been released.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which Muslims must practice along with the declaration of faith, prayer, Ramadan, and charitable giving. It is a pilgrimage to the holy sites and is held from the 7th to the 12th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. However, since the Islamic calendar year is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the pilgrimage period shifts earlier each year. In recent years, Hajj has taken place during the summer months of June to August. This year’s Hajj period was from the 14th to the 19th. During this time, the mercury in Mecca rose to a high of 51.8 degrees Celsius.

While Hajj is a mandatory duty for Muslims, it is not compulsory. However, Muslims wish to visit Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, or Medina, where his tomb is located, whenever circumstances allow. The pilgrimage involves wearing seamless white cloth called 'Ihram,' entering Mecca, throwing 49 stones at the devil pillars, performing prayers and sacrifice rituals, and then walking to Medina to visit the 'Prophet's Mosque.' Those who complete Hajj can add the title 'Al Hajj' before their names.

During the Hajj period, various accidents occur due to the influx of pilgrims. This year, heat-related illnesses surged due to abnormal weather and heatwaves. The number of accidents among Hajj pilgrims caused by heatwaves is expected to increase further. According to foreign media, the heatwaves that Hajj pilgrims will face due to climate change are expected to exceed extreme danger levels between 2047?2052 and 2079?2086.

Stampede accidents frequently occur during the ritual of throwing 49 stones at the devil pillars, which marks the climax of the pilgrimage. This event takes place at three stone pillars symbolizing demons and Satan located in Mina, east of Mecca. Pilgrims throw 49 pebbles in seven rounds, and accidents happen as many people throw stones simultaneously in a narrow space.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities implement a permit system to manage the massive influx of pilgrims during Hajj. The official permitted number this year was 1.8 million. However, more than 1 million people enter without permits. In fact, Saudi authorities found that about 83% of the deaths during this Hajj period were among those who did not have pilgrimage permits.