During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has enacted a new measure in response to extreme heat, preventing pilgrims from accessing the Jamarat Bridge for the stone-throwing ritual between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, spokesperson for the Ministry, issued this directive in Mina, Mecca, expressing concerns for pilgrims’ well-being amidst the high temperatures to prevent heat-related issues.
Security personnel have been deployed to camps to enforce the restriction and ensure compliance until 4:00 p.m. The Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers have been instructed to adhere strictly to these guidelines, with penalties stipulated for any violations.
Mr. Sulaiman also emphasized prayers for the safety of pilgrims and the success of their Hajj journey.
In a separate incident, Nigerian Hajj officials apprehended two Nigerian migrants, Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u Garba, for allegedly infiltrating pilgrims’ tents.
Concerns over overcrowded accommodations and petty theft led to their detainment by Saudi police, who recorded their biometrics and imposed a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
The Jamarat, three pillars in Mecca, hold significant religious significance during Hajj, representing the rejection of temptation and the affirmation of faith in Allah, following Prophet Ibrahim’s example.
According to reports from the Saudi Gazette, more than 1.83 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, including both foreign and domestic attendees.
