Saudi Arabia Reports Over 1,300 Deaths During Hajj Pilgrimage

The recent hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has been marred by tragedy, with over 1,300 faithful losing their lives during the intense heat. Most of the deceased did not have official permits to participate in the pilgrimage, according to Saudi officials.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that 83 percent of the deceased were unauthorized to perform the hajj and had to endure long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort. This news comes after an AFP tally last week put the toll at over 1,100.

Arab diplomats revealed that Egyptians accounted for 658 deaths, with 630 of them being unregistered pilgrims. Riyadh had not publicly commented on the deaths or provided its own toll until Sunday.

A senior Saudi official defended the response, stating that there was a misjudgment on the part of people who did not appreciate the risks. The Saudi health minister described the management of the hajj this year as “successful,” providing specialized treatment services to over 465,000 individuals.

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims with the means must complete at least once in their lives. Despite the challenges, Saudi officials reported that 1.8 million pilgrims took part this year, with 1.6 million coming from abroad.

Temperatures in Mecca soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) this year, adding to the difficulties faced by pilgrims. In response to the rise in deaths of unregistered Egyptian pilgrims, the Egyptian Prime Minister ordered 16 tourism companies to be stripped of their licenses.

Hajj permits are allocated through a quota system and distributed to individuals by lottery. The steep costs often lead many to attempt the hajj without a permit, risking arrest and deportation if caught. The tragic events during this year’s pilgrimage serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by those undertaking this sacred journey.