Hajj is underway in Saudi Arabia, one cannot forget that temperatures are continuing to soar. As a result, authorities have urged pilgrims to remain inside during the peak hours as the temperature outside can be quite harsh. Here’s what the authorities advise for those undertaking the pilgrimage this week.
Hajj Pilgrims Advised To Stay In Tents
Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah, as mentioned in a report by the Gulf News, has asked pilgrims to remain in their tents between 10 AM and 4 PM. Yes, he has asked the pilgrims to remain in their tents during this time on Thursday, June 5, which coincides with the Day of Arafat. Yes, the Health Ministry has warned against climbing mountains or high places on the day as it can cause extreme physical exertion and even an increased risk of heat exhaustion.
Precautions Taken By Authorities
This comes at a time when the temperature is expected to exceed 40°C this year. Yes, this is happening at a time when one of the world’s largest religious gatherings has begun. As it happens, to safeguard the people, authorities have intensified heat-mitigation efforts. They also aim to prevent a repeat of the previous year’s tragedy, when 1,301 pilgrims had died as a result of the heatwave. And so, over 40 government agencies and 2,50,000 officials have been mobilised.
Not only this, shaded areas have also been expanded by 50,000 m². For this purpose, thousands of additional medics are also on standby, and 400+ schooling units have been deployed.
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Significance Of The Day Of Arafat
Traditionally speaking, the Day of Arafat marks a high point of the Hajj. Pilgrims generally scale Mount Arafat, which is on the outskirts of Mecca. On this day, they gather on Mount Arafat, which is a 230-foot-high hill and its surrounding plains for the hours of prayer and Quran recitation. However, there is little shade in the area, which leaves the pilgrims exposed to intense heat.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/laarow
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