With the annual Hajj pilgrimage fast approaching, millions of Muslims preparing to journey to Saudi Arabia are facing a pressing concern: how severe will the heat be this year, and what can be done to stay safe?
Last year, extreme heat contributed to around 1,300 deaths during the pilgrimage, according to official Saudi data.
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a religious duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place according to the Islamic lunar calendar, causing its timing to shift each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Spanning four days, Hajj includes a series of rituals, culminating in the Day of Arafat — the spiritual pinnacle of the pilgrimage — when worshippers gather on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon. This year, the Day of Arafat will be observed on June 5, with Eid al-Adha following on June 6.
Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks
For several years, Hajj has coincided with Saudi Arabia’s scorching summer season. In 2024, temperatures reached a sweltering 51.8°C (125°F), contributing to heat-related casualties. This year, the Saudi Press Agency, citing the National Center for Meteorology, predicts similarly harsh conditions — daytime highs between 40°C and 47°C, nighttime lows from 27°C to 32°C, and humidity levels ranging from 15% to 60%.
A 2019 study in Geophysical Research Letters warned that due to climate change and the timing of Hajj, pilgrims may face life-threatening heat stress during future pilgrimages between 2047–2052 and 2079–2086.
Why Heatstroke Turns Deadly
According to Dr. Imran Afzal, a Pakistan-based physician with more than 35 years of experience, heatstroke during Hajj is usually caused by a dangerous mix of extreme temperatures, physical overexertion, preexisting medical conditions, and delayed medical intervention.
“When the body overheats and can’t cool itself down, it can lead to organ failure,” Dr. Afzal told TRT World. “Many pilgrims push through the discomfort due to spiritual motivation, but that can dangerously delay treatment.”
Protecting Pilgrims
While Saudi authorities have taken several precautions — including providing shaded walkways, water stations, misting systems, and medical facilities — experts stress that personal responsibility is also crucial, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Dr. Afzal recommends the following for pilgrims:
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated beverages
- Use umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats
- Apply sunscreen and rest in shaded areas
- Avoid fasting in extreme heat
- Travel in groups and pre-plan medications
- Consult a doctor before departing
“Preparation must be both physical and medical,” he said. “Pilgrims with diabetes, heart issues, or kidney problems need a strategy in place.”
Faith vs. Physical Limits
Many see Hajj as the journey of a lifetime and are willing to endure hardship. But pushing beyond physical limits can be fatal. “Islam places immense value on health and life,” said Dr. Afzal. “Listening to your body and consulting a physician doesn’t diminish your spiritual commitment.”
He recalled a near-miss case of an elderly diabetic man who collapsed from heat exhaustion after walking for hours without food or water. Fortunately, he was stabilized after being taken to a nearby medical station.
Saudi Measures for Hajj 2025
In anticipation of extreme heat, Saudi Arabia has implemented several measures to protect pilgrims:
- Shaded resting areas and misting systems
- Air-conditioned tents and wearable heat monitors
- Heat-reducing white roads
- Distribution of water and umbrellas
- Shortened Friday prayers to reduce exposure
The Ministry of Health is actively posting safety tips on X (formerly Twitter), including vaccination advice and precautions for heart, kidney, asthma, and diabetic patients.
To ease the strain during rituals, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, has ordered sermons and Friday prayers to be shortened throughout the Hajj season.
