SHAH ALAM - Performing haj is a mandatory act for every Muslim who could afford and physically able to make it.
However, this year's pilgrimage has faced severe challenges, with temperatures reaching as high as 51.8°C (125°F) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
It was reported that the intense heat has resulted in at least 550 deaths, primarily due to heat-related illnesses.
Recently, a video surfaced on the X platform showing bodies of deceased pilgrims lying by the roadside, sparking criticism of Saudi authorities regarding their management of the situation.
The video was shared by an Indonesian social media user garnered millions of views and likes.
The bodies were seen covered with cloth, some were still on wheelchairs.
"Saudi Arabia is not responsive in maintaining haj. Video of deceased pilgrims left on the streets due to heatstroke," the caption read.
A Malaysian pilgrim also recorded a similar scene, showing the bodies of other pilgrims who died due to the extreme heat.
"May Allah grant them Paradise, AllahuAkbar, MasyaAllah, may they be accepted by Allah," the pilgrim said in the video.
The viral footages prompted numerous comments and questions about the Saudi authorities' response to the situation.
Some Indonesian netizens expressed concern and sought explanations for the lack of immediate action.
@ghostfighter: "Isn’t there anyone from their group willing to help?"
@dioibrhm: "They must have had heat stroke, especially the elderly pilgrims. This is an annual event, doesn’t the Saudi government have a solution?"
A netizen, @RjjjRay, explained that unregistered pilgrims were not documented by the country, lacking access to essential services and making them vulnerable to extreme heat.
"PLEASE, stop spreading false information. It’s a lie and HARAM. For months before Haj, my country has repeatedly warned all (foreigners and citizens) to register and obtain their Haj permits for their safety," he said.
Social media user @YunusSunaryo wrote "Maybe the Saudi health workers hadn’t reached the bodies before people with phones posted about the situation."
@TripleAia commented "First, the police handle death cases by calling the ambulance. Once the police assess the situation, the ambulance can then take the bodies."
Another netizen @esmaila17 wrote "Official pilgrims have responsible caretakers. The Saudi government manages patients/deceased if sent to government hospitals."
@ameenRTW also explained about the situation saying "Don’t be quick to point fingers before understanding the situation fully. In modern, civilised societies, only certain authorities handle such incidents and I’m sure your country has similar SOPs."
Meanwhile, @Chilllakerla commented "They don’t just leave the bodies there. Ambulances and workers face difficulty accessing the area due to the crowd. They handle it as quickly as possible; you just don’t see it at that moment."
According to a report by British daily newspaper The Guardian, at least 550 pilgrims have died this year due to heat-related illnesses, with the total reported death toll reaching 645.
It was reported that approximately 1.8 million people attended the pilgrimage.
The article further cited the Saudi National Centre for Metrology, which reported that human-caused climate breakdown was intensifying heatwaves worldwide, making each one more severe. The burning sun and suffocating heat in Mecca and its holy sites were relentless.
Many pilgrims, especially the elderly, collapsed from the heat and required medical assistance. Saudi Arabia reported over 2,700 cases of "heat exhaustion" on a single Sunday.
It was reported that last year, more than 200 pilgrims, mostly from Indonesia, were reported to have died while performing haj.
Meanwhile,it was reported today that six more Malaysian pilgrims died in the Holy Land, bringing the total number of deaths so far to 14, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
He said all the pilgrims who died had time to perform wukuf worship and most of them died from heart disease, pneumonia and blood infection.