Around 1.8 million people have performed the holy ritual Hajj 2024 this year. The Saudi authorities have warned against the high temperature during Hajj 2024. The Saudi government made the necessary arrangements to protect the pilgrims against the scorching heat and special paint has been applied to the roads leading to Arafat. Today’s Hajj 2024 Update will give you the top news about Hajj 2024.
Hajj 2024 Weather
In Mina, as predicted and warned earlier by the Saudi Government, the Hajj 2024 entered its last stages amidst searing temperatures. The Saudi Health Ministry has reported that the temperature has been very high, and around 27,000 cases of heat exhaustion have been recorded on Sunday only. 19 Jordanians and Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives during Hajj due to high temperatures.
The temperature at the Grand Mosque in Makkah has been reported to exceed 51 Degrees Celsius on Sunday, on Monday however unexpected rain showers made the weather pleasant and brought happiness to pilgrims. It has been predicted by the Meteorological Department of Saudi Arabia that next year 2025 will be the last summer hajj and for the next 17 years hajj will be cooler.
Sermon At Arafat
The sermon at Arafat has an integral importance in the Hajj and this year it has been delivered by Saudi cleric Maher Al Muaiqaly. It has been interpreted in 50 languages.
Palestinian Pilgrims
Due to the Current war in Palestine and the constant killing of thousands of Muslims in the region, there has been a closure on the Rafah crossing. People are unable to move and they are stuck there with limited food, however, 4200 pilgrims from the West Bank have luckily made it to Mecca to perform Hajj. Moreover, 1000 more pilgrims have also attended Hajj 2024 who were invited by King Salman of Saudi Arabia.
A Gazan lady who lost 150 members of her family also attended Hajj this year.
Illegal Pilgrims Being Caught by Drones
Saudi Arabia is leaving no stone unturned to enforce Hajj permits this year. Drones are patrolling Mecca and holy areas alongside checkpoints, while arrivals are thoroughly screened. They’re even cracking down on facilitators – recently, over 18 people were arrested for transporting nearly 100 unauthorized pilgrims. This strict enforcement has resulted in a significant number of people being caught.
Reports suggest over 159,000 have been turned away and hundreds arrested for attempting Hajj without permits. Remember, these stricter measures are only in place until June 20th, 2024, but a valid permit is always essential for a safe and authorized Hajj pilgrimage.
Umrah during hajj has been stopped so as to execute the Hajj in an organised manner.
