Nine hundred pilgrims from across the world who were in Saudi Arabia on Hajj this year have died from a heat wave; 98 of them are Indians
The lunar Islamic calendar determines the date of the Hajj, which fell this year amid the scorching Saudi summer. The Grand Mosque in Mecca recorded a peak temperature of 51.8 degrees Celsius this week, according to the national meteorological department. When the temperature reached 48 degrees in 2023, more than 2000 pilgrims received medical attention for heat-related illnesses, and more than 200 pilgrims passed away.
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious journey to Mecca that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For many, it is a spiritually uplifting experience, but for some, it also brings physical and emotional challenges. One such pilgrim from Mira Road, Mumbai, recently shared his harrowing experience of the extreme heat he faced during this sacred journey, highlighting the often overlooked hardships of Hajj.
Hajj is not just a journey of faith; it is also a test of endurance. The pilgrimage involves performing a series of rituals over several days, often in extreme weather conditions. This year, temperatures in Mecca soared above 45°C (113°F), creating hazardous conditions for the pilgrims.
The majority of casualties, he claimed, were older people who were not accustomed to walking. "I saw eighteen to twenty bodies lying on the road on my way back from stoning the devil." It's a long trek, and organising logistics for 20 lakh people to walk in the same direction is difficult," Owais said.
Shahid Qureshi, a 55-year-old resident of Mira Road, Mumbai, had saved for years to fulfill his lifelong dream of performing Hajj. He meticulously planned every detail of his journey, ensuring he was physically and mentally prepared for the pilgrimage. However, nothing could have prepared him for the intense heat he encountered.
"The heat cannot be described, only felt," Qureshi said, reflecting on his experience. "It was like walking into an oven. The air was so hot it felt like it was burning my lungs with every breath."
The Hajj rituals involve a lot of walking, including the Tawaf, which is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times, and the Sa'i, which is walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah. These activities, coupled with the high temperatures, took a severe toll on many pilgrims.
Qureshi described how the heat made every step feel like a monumental effort. "I saw people collapsing from heat exhaustion. There were medical teams everywhere, attending to those who couldn’t cope with the heat. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our bodies are."
To manage the heat, pilgrims were advised to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. Many, including Qureshi, carried umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. However, despite these precautions, the intense heat was inescapable.
"I drank water constantly, but it was never enough," Qureshi recounted. "The heat was so intense that within minutes of drinking, I would be drenched in sweat again. It felt like an endless cycle."
Qureshi also spoke about the emotional toll of the heat. "There were moments when I questioned if I could complete the pilgrimage. The heat was so overwhelming that it became difficult to focus on the spiritual aspects of Hajj. But then I would remind myself why I was there, and that gave me the strength to keep going."
Despite the challenges, Qureshi found solace in the sense of community among the pilgrims. "We were all in this together. Strangers became friends as we supported each other through the difficult moments. It was a powerful reminder of the unity and brotherhood that Hajj represents."
The experience also deepened Qureshi's faith. "Enduring the heat was a test of my physical and spiritual endurance. It made me appreciate the sacrifices that millions of pilgrims have made over the centuries. It was a humbling experience that brought me closer to my faith."
Qureshi's experience highlights the need for better preparation and support for pilgrims, particularly as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions. "The authorities did their best, but I think there needs to be more awareness about the risks of extreme heat. Pilgrims should be better informed and equipped to handle these conditions."
He also emphasized the importance of physical fitness in preparing for Hajj. "It's not just a spiritual journey; it's a physically demanding one. Being in good health and fitness is crucial to withstand the rigors of the pilgrimage."
Shahid Qureshi's account of his Hajj experience is a testament to the resilience and faith of the millions who undertake this sacred journey each year. While the extreme heat presented significant challenges, it also reinforced the profound sense of community and spirituality that defines Hajj.
As the global climate continues to change, it is essential for future pilgrims to be better prepared for the physical challenges they may face. For Qureshi, the heat may have been unbearable, but the spiritual rewards of completing his pilgrimage were beyond measure.