* Health system provided more than 465,000 specialised treatments
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 24 said no fewer than 1,301 pilgrims died during the 2024 Hajj, which was attended by more than 1.8 million from across the world.
Muslim News gathered that the figure constitutes 0.07% of the total population that performed this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The country’s minister of health, Fahd Al-Jalajel further disclosed that 83% of the mortalities were unauthorized pilgrims who performed Hajj and walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort. “Among the deceased were several elderly and chronically ill individuals.”
The minister underscored the significant efforts made by the competent authorities to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress and the importance of preventive measures.
🔴BREAKING:
1,301 People died during the current Hajj season , the Ministry of Health has confirmed
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 23, 2024
He extended his condolences, saying, “May God forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families. May God accept their deeds and grant them recompense for their suffering.
“All reports have been compiled, families of the deceased notified, and identification completed, despite the initial lack of personal information or identification documents. Proper processes were followed for identification, burial, and honoring the deceased, with death certificates provided.”
He pointed out that the health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care.
Although there was a huge campaign #NoVisaNoHajj many still attempt to perform Hajj under heat of the Sun without the necessary arrangements required to keep one safe during the days of Hajj due to performing Hajj unofficially.
This resulted in casualties and 83% deaths as this… pic.twitter.com/w16RNbjYdz
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 24, 2024
Al-Jalajel added that the Hajj season concluded successfully with no recorded outbreaks of epidemics or widespread diseases.
The health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who didn’t obtain official authorization to perform Hajj.
In a media interview, he expressed reassurance about the overall health condition of the pilgrims, despite the high temperatures experienced in the Holy Sites. He highlighted the positive impact of the health authorities’ swift response and the effective support of the Hajj security forces in managing and reducing the effects of heat stress.
Al-Jalajel also detailed that the Kingdom’s provision of free health services to pilgrims commenced even before their arrival, with awareness programs at air, sea, and land border crossings. Approximately 1.3 million preventive services were delivered, including early detection, vaccinations, and medical care upon arrival.
Multiple Deceased At Masjid Al Haram !
O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, pardon them, and honor their abode.
O Allah, make their graves a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
O Allah, widen their entrance and cleanse them of sins as a white garment is cleansed of… pic.twitter.com/OMur1Iain4
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 21, 2024
The healthcare services offered included open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis, and emergency care, totaling over 30,000 ambulance services, with 95 air ambulance operations ensuring the delivery of advanced health services in medical cities across the Kingdom.
“Additionally, the healthcare system made available nearly 6,500 beds and rooms. Measures to combat heat stress included the development of devices that enable rapid and effective rescue of affected individuals.
…Campaign against Hajj without permit
In a bid to ensure safety and comfort of pilgrims, the Kingdom launched “No Hajj Without a Permit”, warning unauthorized people, including her citizens, residents and visitors not shortlisted for hajj 2024 to stay off the holy land during the hajj season.
Muslim News gathered that the areas covered by the no-permit, no-Hajj policy include the city of Makkah, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain train station, security checkpoints, screening centers and temporary security checkpoints.The rule was in effect until June 20, 2024.
NEWS: The Council of Senior Scholars has issued a Fatwa that bans performing Hajj without an official permit. They urge those planning to partake in the pilgrimage to adhere strictly to the regulations and guidelines. pic.twitter.com/FxhYtNwsLZ
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) April 27, 2024
Saudi Arabia also introduced Nusuk, an identification “to raise the efficiency of operational procedures for hajj to make the pilgrimage much easier and simplified and to bring down instances of people performing hajj illegally,” as captured by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
Speaking on its importance, NAHCON’s Coordinator in Makkah, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, warned all Nigerian pilgrims not to perform hajj if they do not have the Nusuk card.
According to him, “The Saudi authorities are serious on this issue of Nusuk card. You must have it on arrival in Makkah otherwise, you will not be allowed to perform the hajj and will face the wrath of the law in Saudi which include serving jail term and a fine.”
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) also quoted the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, who stressed that performing Hajj without a permit “is a sin for the one who does it,” and it is not permissible to go to hajj without a permit.
Al-Sheikh added that this is consistent with the interests required by the Shari’ah, was concerned with improving interests and warding off evil.
*Over 300,000 People Stopped Without Hajj Permits!*
🚨 Important Reminder for Hajj Pilgrims 🚨
If Hajj is meant for you, it will happen in the right time.
Entering Makkah with no permits or fake permits is not only illegal but also against the principles of our faith.… pic.twitter.com/v54dMfLoXt
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 12, 2024
To ensure compliance, the Kingdom imposed penalties – a fine or 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) on any individual or groups violating hajj regulations and instructions by undertaking a pilgrimage without a permit.
“Non-citizens will be deported to their home country and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period,” Saudi Arabia’s Public Security noted, adding “repeat offenders would have their fines doubled, as the agency stressed the importance of adhering to hajj regulations and instructions to ensure pilgrims can perform rituals safely and peacefully.”
Despite the massive campaign which is supported by the Shari’ah, over 300,000 unregistered pilgrims were apprehended by the security forces a week before the beginning of hajj rites, for violating the regulations, including 153,998 foreigners who arrived on tourist visas without the necessary permits.
– With additional information from Saudi Gazette
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