At least 50 Indonesian pilgrims have tragically lost their lives during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Saudi city of Mina since June 28. The Religious Affairs Ministry has attributed the deaths to heart attacks, respiratory disorders, and heat strokes, with a majority of the deceased being elderly individuals.
The fatalities occurred during the stoning of three pillars representing the devil, a rigorous ritual performed by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The intense heat in Mina has added to the challenges faced by the attendees.
Thafsin Alfarizi, an official responsible for the medical treatment of Indonesian pilgrims in Mina, expressed his concern and emphasized the importance of evaluating one’s health conditions before embarking on such strenuous rituals. He urged future pilgrims to prioritize their well-being and refrain from participating if their health does not permit.
This year, Indonesia sent a record-breaking number of 229,000 pilgrims to perform the Hajj, the largest quota ever granted by Saudi Arabia to the country. The significance of this pilgrimage is heightened for Indonesia, as the previous year saw no pilgrims able to undertake the sacred journey due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In comparison, neighboring Malaysia sent 31,600 pilgrims, Kuwait received a quota of 8,000, Bangladesh was allocated 127,000 individuals, and Kyrgyzstan and Palestine were each permitted to send 6,000 and 6,600 pilgrims, respectively.
The high death toll in Mina serves as a somber warning and emphasizes the need for prioritizing one’s well-being during such physically demanding rituals. The Religious Affairs Ministry and relevant authorities should continue to work together to ensure the safety and health of all pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
This news highlights the unfortunate incidents that have occurred during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mina and reminds future pilgrims to carefully consider their health conditions before participating in such physically demanding rituals. It is essential to prioritize well-being and seek medical advice when necessary to prevent any further loss of life.
