Photo-AFP
Hundreds of lives were tragically lost during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, primarily due to scorching temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. Shockingly, 83% of these fatalities occurred among pilgrims who opted for illegal routes, underscoring the grave risks associated with such journeys. According to Saudi authorities, many of these pilgrims paid exorbitant fees to illegal tour operators in hopes of bypassing official channels. Instead of safe, regulated travel in air-conditioned buses and secure accommodations, these pilgrims faced perilous conditions, trekking through the harsh desert heat for miles.
The Hajj, one of Islam's Five Pillars, mandates that all Muslims with the means must complete the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Hajj permits are allocated to countries based on a quota system and distributed through a lottery to individuals.
Pilgrims often choose illegal routes for various reasons. Some perceive it as a cheaper alternative to official permits, which can be costly, while others seek to avoid lengthy application processes and waiting lists. There are also cases where pilgrims may be unaware of the legal and safety risks involved.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
Taking illegal routes poses numerous risks, including physical harm due to harsh desert conditions, dehydration, and exhaustion. Pilgrims caught using illegal routes face potential arrest, fines, and deportation. Moreover, inadequate medical screenings and vaccinations increase the risk of disease transmission, while pilgrims may also fall victim to exploitation by human traffickers and scams.
In response to the tragic incidents, governments are taking action. For instance, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently ordered the revocation of licenses from 16 tourism companies involved in organizing illegal pilgrimages to Mecca. These companies had used personal visit visas, which prevent holders from entering Mecca via official channels, contributing to the rise in deaths among unregistered Egyptian pilgrims.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal Hajj journeys and the critical importance of adhering to official channels to ensure pilgrim safety.
#trending #latest #Hajj #Pilgrimage #Mecca #IllegalRoutes #SafetyWarning #Muslims #IslamicPilgrimage #SaudiArabia #PilgrimSafety #HajjPermits #TravelSafety #ReligiousJourney #PilgrimRights #Hajj2024 #IslamicFaith #HajjDeaths #HajjSafety #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai
SeaWorld Yas Island and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center have received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), becoming only the...Read More.
Authorities were first alerted in March by food inspectors. After months of surveillance, they arrested the pizzeria's manager at his residence, uncovering a dr...Read More.
DigiHealth: World’s Largest Gathering for Digital Health Launches in Dubai from September 8-10, 2025
Eric Prydz Brings His Groundbreaking HOLO Show to Dubai for the First Time
Dubai is set to experience a groundbreaking fusion of music and technology as world-renowned DJ Eric
7 Emirates" Art Exhibition, curated by the highly regarded Jesno Jackson
Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership and Kindness
SeaWorld Yas Island and Rescue Center Earn Global Accreditation for Animal Care
SeaWorld Yas Island and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center have received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), becoming only the
German Police Raid Restaurant After Cocaine-Laced Pizza Becomes a Best Seller
Authorities were first alerted in March by food inspectors. After months of surveillance, they arrested the pizzeria's manager at his residence, uncovering a dr
Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed attends wedding reception of Thani bin Mohamed bin Jibarah Almarar
Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed has attended a wedding reception hosted by Mohamed bin Jibarah bin Hasan Almarar in celebration of the marriage of his son, Thani bin
Canada Implements Stricter Foreign Worker Rules to Prioritize Domestic Labor
The newly enacted regulations are designed to encourage companies to prioritize hiring Canadians over seeking foreign talent, aiming to bolster domestic employm
Department of Municipalities and Transport Launches New Occupancy Certification Program
The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport launched the Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certificate Programme.
Israeli Missile Destroys Residential Building in Beirut Attack
The incident has ignited global outrage and escalated tensions between the two nations involved.
Meet Pam Kaur: HSBC's First Female CFO in 160 Years of History
Pam Kaur earned an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Panjab University in Chandigarh.
Severe Storm Expected to Strike Eastern India and Bangladesh Regions
On Wednesday, authorities canceled train services, advised fishermen to avoid the sea, and readied evacuations for those in vulnerable areas as a severe cycloni
Rocket Attacks Trigger Sirens During Blinken's Visit to Tel Aviv
Israel's air force intercepted two rockets fired from Lebanon, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. This incident occurred during the visit of U
SLG Group Starts AED 200 Million Integrated Hub at Dubai Industrial City
the Middle East’s top manufacturing and logistics hub, part of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 dynamic business districts in Dubai
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.