Australian Pilgrim Passes Away While Performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia
It is estimated that around 550 individuals lost their lives during the five-day pilgrimage as temperatures soared to 47C in Mecca and other holy sites.
Among the deceased during the Hajj pilgrimage was an Australian, as scorching temperatures enveloped the sacred sites of Islam.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular assistance was being provided to the family of the pilgrim, with privacy obligations restricting further details.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family during this challenging time,” a spokesperson stated.
An Imam from Perth, Yahya Adel Ibrahim, who completed the Hajj this year, was acquainted with the Australian who passed away.
“I can’t divulge many details… but it was an elderly individual, who sadly spent their final moments seeking solace in God,” he shared with ABC radio.
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“Death, for those of us with faith, is not embraced, but it is understood to be a part of God’s will.
“Many of the pilgrims, especially those mourning loved ones, have a saying… ‘to God we belong and to Him is our ultimate return,’ fostering a sense of acceptance.”
Annually, approximately two million Muslims partake in the Hajj, where past deaths were attributed to stampedes or outbreaks.
Many followers invest their life savings to embark on the pilgrimage, making them elderly or susceptible to health issues.
Trees have been planted to offer additional shade, and water streams line the paths, as mentioned by Mr. Ibrahim.
“However, when temperatures exceed 50 degrees and individuals are sometimes unwilling to heed warnings or feel they are not overburdened… unfortunately, death becomes a consequence,” he expressed.
With changing climates, the hazards of Hajj are anticipated to escalate.
A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019 projected that the Hajj would experience extreme temperatures leading to danger from 2047 to 2052 and from 2079 to 2086, even with efforts to mitigate climate change.
Saudi Arabia has invested billions in crowd management and safety measures, yet ensuring the safety of all participants remains challenging due to their sheer numbers.
“There are hundreds of thousands of individuals dedicated to ensuring millions of people in a small area are cared for, hydrated, and safeguarded,” Mr. Ibrahim noted.
“We consistently strive to enhance the services provided, working closely with the Ministry of Hajj, which has displayed remarkable dedication year after year.”
with AP
