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Over 1,000 individuals perished in the sweltering heat of Saudi Arabia this year during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, according to reports.
The lethal temperatures reaching as high as 125 degrees were compounded by tens of thousands of unregistered pilgrims stressing the Saudi infrastructure.
Approximately 1,081 worshipers from 10 different countries have reportedly died in the heat, according to a tally published by Agence France-Presse.
MUSLIM PILGRIMS COMPLETE THIS YEAR'S HAJJ AS DEADLY TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPS SEAR MECCA
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to visit the Kaaba (in English, the House of Allah), the holiest site in the Islamic faith. The holy building is situated inside the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Making the pilgrimage at least once is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the mandatory acts of faith required of all Muslims.
Travel packages and bespoke accommodations are offered each year for the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who travel to complete the Hajj.
HEATWAVE SHUTTERS ACROPOLIS IN ATHENS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE AFTERNOON
Registration ensures access to air-conditioned facilities and water stations — critical accommodations in the blistering heat.
However, completing the Hajj without registration by exploiting tourist or work visas has become increasingly common.
The Saudi government attempts to crack down on this undocumented contingent of pilgrims, but tens of thousands of undercover pilgrims manage to visit the Kaaba each year.
The dates of the Hajj are determined each year in accordance with the Islamic calendar. Next year, it will fall in early June.
June 22, 2024 at 02:00AM
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