An elderly Indonesian man passed away during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, bringing sorrow to his family but also a sense of peace as he was laid to rest in the holy city. The man, Ngatijo Wongso Sentono, aged 86, died in his tent in Mina while waiting for midday prayers. His daughter, Heru Jumartiyah, shared that her father had shown no signs of illness before his sudden passing.
Sentono, who had eagerly anticipated the pilgrimage, had traveled to Mecca with his wife and neighbors from Yogyakarta. The Hajj is a significant religious obligation for Muslims, requiring those who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Dying and being buried in Mecca is considered a blessing in Islamic belief.
Despite the extreme heat conditions this year, over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj, with more than 1,300 fatalities reported, many attributed to heat stress. Indonesia, with 215 confirmed deaths, mourns the loss of its citizens who perished during the pilgrimage. Most of the deceased were over the age of 50, highlighting the challenges faced by elderly pilgrims in such harsh conditions.
Authorities have noted that unofficial pilgrimages, which account for a significant number of fatalities, pose additional risks due to lack of proper licensing and access to essential resources. The scorching temperatures in Mecca, reaching record highs of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, have made the pilgrimage even more perilous for participants.
Witnesses have described scenes of distress and inadequate infrastructure, with pilgrims facing difficulties in accessing water and medical assistance. The tragic incidents during this year's Hajj underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and better organization to prevent future casualties.
Experts warn that rising temperatures, exacerbated by the climate crisis, pose a grave threat to pilgrims undertaking the Hajj. The Middle East region, particularly susceptible to extreme heat, faces increasing risks during mass gatherings like the annual pilgrimage.
As the global community grapples with the impacts of climate change, ensuring the safety and well-being of Hajj pilgrims remains a critical priority. Addressing the challenges posed by extreme heat and enhancing preparedness measures are essential to safeguarding the lives of millions of Muslims who embark on this sacred journey each year.
