Egyptian Pilgrims Left to Suffer in Scorching Hajj Conditions

The Hajj pilgrimage, a sacred journey to Islam’s holiest city, turned tragic this year as soaring temperatures claimed the lives of hundreds of pilgrims. Among the most affected were Egyptian pilgrims, who endured the harshest conditions. This article explores their harrowing experiences, shedding light on the challenges and systemic failures that led to such devastating outcomes. Discover the factors contributing to this tragedy and the urgent need for improved support and safety measures for all pilgrims.

The Cost of Devotion

Many Egyptian pilgrims hail from impoverished villages, spending their life savings to fulfill their religious obligations. Effendiya, a 70-year-old widow from Menoufiya, sold her jewelry to finance her trip to Mecca. Her son Sayyed recounts how this journey was her lifelong dream. Tragically, Effendiya passed away while performing her rituals, unable to withstand the extreme heat.

Unofficial Pilgrimages and Exploitation

Effendiya traveled on a tourist visa, not an official Hajj visa, making her one of the hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims this year. These unofficial visits are considered violations by Saudi authorities, but the process of obtaining official Hajj permits can be prohibitively expensive and complicated. In Egypt, joining an official Hajj convoy can cost around $6,000 per person, a steep price in a country facing economic hardships.

Effendiya’s trip was organized by a local broker who promised five-star services for half the official cost. However, her family describes a starkly different reality. On Arafat Day, pilgrims spend the day congregating on Mount Arafat for prayers. Effendiya was dropped off 12 kilometers from the site and forced to walk in the blistering heat.

Lack of Support and Fatal Consequences

Pilgrims on official Hajj convoys typically stay in air-conditioned tents, travel in buses between holy sites, and receive medical care. Effendiya and other unregistered pilgrims had none of these facilities. Sayyed says they were “totally abandoned,” using bedsheets as makeshift tents to shield themselves from the searing heat.

Her eldest son Tariq recalls video calls where she was pouring water on her head, visibly struggling with the heat. In their last call, she looked exhausted and on the brink of collapse. Effendiya died while trying to catch her breath in the shade, a heartbreaking end to her dream journey.

A National Tragedy

The Egyptian authorities face challenges in determining an official death toll, as many of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has announced an investigation into the tour companies responsible for these unregistered trips. The foreign ministry is working to identify the dead and contact their families, a process that will require time and effort.

Families Left in Grief

Effendiya’s family is left devastated by her loss. Her eldest daughter Manal recalls the moment she received the news, her grief compounded by the inability to be with her mother in her final moments. Despite their sorrow, her children take some solace in knowing she was buried in Mecca, fulfilling her wish to die and be interred in the holy city.

The tragic fate of these Egyptian pilgrims underscores the severe risks and challenges faced by those embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage without official support. As the demand for Hajj continues to grow, it is crucial to address these issues to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes in the future. Muslim banks, travel agencies, and governmental bodies must work together to ensure that all pilgrims, regardless of their financial status, can undertake this spiritual journey safely and with dignity.