More than 1 million pilgrims yesterday joined Islam’s most important rite under a beating sun, as the hajj started with the Saudi Arabian hosts scrambling to avoid last year’s more than 1,000 deaths in sweltering heat.
With temperatures expected to top 40°C, robed pilgrims slowly circled the Kaaba — the black cube at the heart of Mecca’s Grand Mosque which is Islam’s holiest site.
State media reported that others had begun arriving in the sprawling tent city of Mina on Mecca’s outskirts where they were to stay overnight before the hajj’s high-point today — prayers on Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
Photo: AP
About 1.4 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means.
Authorities have ratcheted up heat protection measures such as extra shade to avoid a repeat of last year, when 1,301 people died as temperatures hit 51.8°C.
Pilgrims yesterday were to perform the tawaf — walking seven times around the Kaaba, which Muslims pray toward each day.
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and behavior.
Men don a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasizes unity among believers, regardless of their social status or nationality.
Women wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their faces and hands.
Pilgrims arriving on buses had begun already trickling into Mina on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by staff offering them coffee and dates.
“I am so happy; it’s such an amazing feeling,” said Reem al-Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi Arabian performing the pilgrimage for the first time.
Following last year’s lethal heat wave, authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection.
Shaded areas have been enlarged by 50,000m2, thousands of additional medics would be on standby and more than 400 cooling units would be deployed, Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq al-Rabiah said last week.
Artificial intelligence technology would help process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds.
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