Deadly Heat Claims Lives of Egyptian Pilgrims During Hajj

Hajj

Hajj Tragedy: Egyptian Pilgrims Suffer in Deadly Heat

Hundreds of people have reportedly died due to extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with many of the deceased coming from Egypt. The BBC visited a community in Egypt that has lost over 20 people, shedding light on the tragic circumstances faced by these pilgrims.

Effendiya, a 70-year-old mother of five from Menoufiya province, was among those who perished. Her son Sayyed revealed that she sold her jewelry to afford the trip, only to die while performing her rituals. Effendiya traveled to Mecca on a tourist visa, circumventing the costly and complicated process of obtaining an official Hajj permit.

The Harsh Realities Faced by Pilgrims

In Egypt, securing an official Hajj convoy costs around $6,000 per person, a steep price in a country facing economic hardship. Effendiya opted for a local broker’s offer, which was half the price but promised luxury services. However, the reality was far from the promise.

On Arafat Day, pilgrims traditionally congregate on Mount Arafat for prayers. Effendiya’s bus dropped her 12 kilometers from the site, leaving her to walk in the intense heat. Her son Tariq recounted video calls where she constantly poured water over her head to cool down. She succumbed to the heat exhaustion after hours of struggle.

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Unregistered pilgrims like Effendiya lacked the amenities provided to official pilgrims, such as air-conditioned tents and medical care. They attempted to shield themselves from the sun with makeshift shelters, but it was not enough to protect them from the extreme conditions.

Family and Community in Mourning

Effendiya’s family blames local travel brokers for their inadequate arrangements. Her daughter Manal expressed her fear and grief, recalling the moment she learned of her mother’s death. Despite the heartbreak, the family takes some comfort in knowing Effendiya was buried in Mecca, a city she revered.

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Egyptian authorities face challenges in determining an official death toll due to the number of unregistered pilgrims. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has announced an investigation into the tour companies responsible for sending these unregistered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Hajj, a core pillar of Islam, is a significant spiritual journey for Muslims. Nearly two million pilgrims traveled to Mecca this year, but none anticipated their pilgrimage would end in tragedy. Effendiya’s death highlights the severe risks faced by those unable to afford official Hajj packages and the dire need for better regulations and support for all pilgrims.

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