Makkah Temperature Reaches 40 Degrees, Elderly Hajj Pilgrims Urged to Prioritize Safety

Makkah, MINA – Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and high-risk groups, have been advised not to force themselves to perform congregational prayers at the Grand Mosque following extreme weather in Makkah, where temperatures. have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in recent days.

Officers of the Saudi Arabian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) have asked pilgrims to prioritize their health and safety while performing their worship in the Holy Land.

Pilgrims whose physical condition does not allow them to make the journey are encouraged to perform congregational prayers at their hotel prayer rooms rather than forcing themselves to go to the Grand Mosque.

The Executive of Worship Guidance for the Makkah Work Unit, Abdul Aziz Siswanto, emphasized that the entire Holy Land area holds great spiritual merit, so pilgrims need not worry about losing rewards if they worship near their places of residence.

Read Also: Indonesia Open to Malaysia, Singapore Prosecuting Companies Linked to Forest Fires

He also reminded pilgrims of the importance of applying the principle of hifzun nafs, or preserving the safety of the soul, as a core part of Islamic law.

In addition to high temperatures, crowd density in the Grand Mosque area has also become a concern for Hajj officers this year. The Saudi Arabian PPIH has even deployed officers at several vulnerable points to assist pilgrims who are lost or separated from their groups, especially elderly pilgrims who are prone to exhaustion due to round-trip travel to the mosque.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most densely crowded human activities in the world. Various studies on crowd management in Makkah have shown that hot weather and mass crowding can increase the risk of fatigue, dehydration, and even stampede incidents if not properly anticipated.

The Indonesian government continues to remind pilgrims to maintain their physical condition ahead of the peak of Hajj worship in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

Read Also: Jama’ah Muslimin Demands Trump Apologize for Joke About Prophet Muhammad

In addition to providing 24-hour bus shuttle services in Makkah, health officers are also continuously educating pilgrims about the dangers of dehydration, heat stroke, and the importance of managing worship activities during extreme weather conditions.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

Read Also: Indonesia Calls for OIC Reform, Offers to Become an ‘Oasis of Peace’