Hajj 2025: As pilgrims gather in Mecca, a look back at past tragedies
The Times of IndiaMonday, June 2, 2025 at 11:52:12 AM
As millions of Muslim pilgrims begin the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the focus isn’t just on the spiritual journey—it’s also on safety. The pilgrimage has a painful history of disasters, from deadly stampedes to extreme heat, which claimed over 1,300 lives last year. With temperatures set to soar past 40°C again, Saudi officials are pulling out all the stops, deploying a quarter-million personnel to prevent another tragedy.
Editor’s Note: The Hajj is one of the most significant events in Islam, but its sheer scale—over a million people in intense heat—makes it a logistical and safety nightmare. This story matters because it highlights the tension between faith and risk, and how authorities are trying to balance reverence with survival. For pilgrims and their families, it’s a reminder that devotion shouldn’t come at the cost of safety.
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