Singaporeans recall challenge of Haj pilgrimage in scorching, life-threatening heat

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Three travel agencies, which handled more than 470 pilgrims, said some came down with fever and others had cracked heels and blisters. 

Singapore pilgrims at the Great Mosque of Mecca during the 2024 Haj pilgrimage. (Photo: Noor Mohamad Services & Travel)

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans who went on this year's Haj pilgrimage had to battle scorching heat, dry weather and massive crowds. 

Those who returned home on Tuesday (Jun 25) after completing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia recalled temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius as they did their religious rituals outdoors. 

The annual pilgrimage, which falls in June this year, has seen more than 1,300 deaths out of 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world, according to Saudi authorities.

Temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca last week, according to media reports citing the country's National Meteorological Centre.

The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims with the means must complete it at least once. 

Due to steep demand, countries are given a quota for pilgrims to prevent overcrowding. 

Similar to 2023, Singapore was allocated 900 places this year. Prospective pilgrims could choose from more than 20 approved packages offered by eight authorised travel agents for travel between Jun 3 and Jul 7. 

The first batch of Singapore pilgrims to complete the Haj returned on Monday. 

In response to CNA's queries, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said that Singaporean pilgrims are generally in a good state of health.

Three travel agencies that CNA spoke to had around 478 pilgrims. Some came down with coughs and fever, but no one had serious illnesses. 

Pilgrims were advised to keep themselves hydrated, avoid outdoor activities when temperatures peaked around noon and wear protective gear like sunglasses, MUIS and travel agencies said. 

They were also told to keep healthy and fit in preparation for their trip weeks in advance.

Travel agencies also had trained medical officials accompany their entourages.

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they arrive at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the annual Haj pilgrimage on Jun 15, 2024. (Photo: AFP/Fadel Senna)

EXTREME HEAT

Noor Mohamad Services & Travel director Juyda Noor Mohamad, who accompanied her tour group, said temperatures averaged around 43 to 47 degrees Celsius on most days. 

Her agency handled more than 100 pilgrims from 30 to 77 years old. Some came down with coughs and sore throats. 

Likewise, agency Halijah Travels said fever, upper respiratory tract infections, cracked heels and blisters from walking were common among pilgrims. 

"Sometimes pilgrims get dehydrated, so we get them rehydrated if required (via drip at medical facilities)," said general manager Haffidz Abdul Hamid. 

Jalaluddin Travel & Services' executive director Noor Faizah Mustaffa said that falling ill during the Haj was "not uncommon". 

Some of her agency's 158 pilgrims came down with the cold and a handful with pre-existing illnesses were taken to a clinic due to high blood pressure or diabetic reasons. 

"When placed in a different environment with irregular sleeping hours due to ritual obligations and the fatigue resulting from the heat, naturally pilgrims tend to fall ill. But thankfully, nothing serious," said Mdm Faizah, who is still with her entourage in Saudi Arabia. 

Veterinarian Hasnul Ismail, also in the midst of the Haj, told CNA that he exercised regularly and controlled his diet back home, but still fell sick and was prescribed antibiotics last week. 

Dr Hasnul, who is due to return on Jul 5, said it felt hotter compared with his previous trips in 2012 and 2014. 

Sprinklers and water-misting outside mosques, and ventilation in sheltered areas helped with the heat, added the 53-year-old Singaporean who runs a vet practice in Malaysia. 

"Circling around the holy Kaaba under the scorching summer sun can be a challenge," said Dr Hasnul, referring to the building at the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque which pilgrims circle.

"But there are officers patrolling and spraying water here and there, Good Samaritans doing that too or just individuals pouring or spraying themselves with water." 

Singaporean veterinarian Hasnul Ismail on his 2024 Haj pilgrimage. (Photo: Hasnul Ismail)

CROWDS AT RELIGIOUS SITES

Noor Mohamad Services & Travel's first tour group returned on Tuesday afternoon and they were met with hugs and tears from family members and friends at Changi Airport. 

One of the returnees was Ms Rugaiyah Alkhatib, who completed her first Haj.  

"For me, the most difficult parts of the Haj were performing the rituals amid a large crowd of nearly 2 million pilgrims in the over 50 degrees Celsius weather," said the 29-year-old, who was the volunteer welfare officer for the trip. 

During its preparatory courses, Halijah Travels keeps pilgrims apprised of likely conditions. 

"We inform them to moderate their expectations ... Expect massive crowds, congestion and extreme heat," said Mr Haffidz, noting that areas the size of Orchard Road and Marina Bay could see a 1.8 million-strong crowd.

Childcare teacher Norhashikin found the throng a challenge during the ritual where pilgrims throw pebbles to symbolise the stoning of the devil. 

"Other people from other countries, they like to push each other, so we have to (stand) strong," said the 58-year-old, who did not give her full name. 

Singapore pilgrims are welcomed home by friends and relatives at Changi Airport on Jun 25 after completing their Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: CNA/Koh Wan Ting)

A tent located at Mount Arafat provides an air-conditioned resting point for pilgrims. (Photos: Noor Mohamad Services & Travel)

ELDERLY NEED MORE HELP

Halijah Travels handled 220 pilgrims averaging 55 to 65 in age, with the oldest an 83-year-old woman. 

A handful had pre-existing health conditions that had to be managed on the go but were certified fit for travel, said Mr Haffidz.  

About 80 per cent of Jalaluddin Travel & Services' pilgrims were at least 50 years old. The agency reminded pilgrims with chronic illnesses to ensure that they brought enough medication, and that they were medically fit to travel. 

During the Haj, the team's nurse clinician regularly checked pilgrims' blood pressure, and oxygen and glucose levels.

"This is especially useful for our aged patients who do not bring this equipment with them and to keep their health in check," said Mdm Faizah.

She also prepped pilgrims by advising them to increase their activity level months before departing for the Haj. 

Pilgrim Muhammad Sofwat, 38, who travelled with a group with members ranging from 50 to more than 60 years old, said they took buses and taxis for long distances but had to walk shorter distances of about 2km at times. 

"They are easily tired ... For us it's very short, but for them, they are surely exhausted," the logistics management officer said. He shared videos that showed some pilgrims being pushed in wheelchairs for certain legs of the journey.

But the going was tough even for younger travellers like Ms Rugaiyah, who had to ensure she stayed hydrated before and after each ritual, and packed instant ice packs for times when the heat became overwhelming. 

"Completing these rituals, while ensuring that the well-being and safety of our pilgrims were well taken care of at every step of the way, was challenging but truly a fulfilling experience."

Koh Wan Ting

26 Jun 2024 12:23PM(Updated: 27 Jun 2024 01:27PM)

Source: CNA/wt(cy)

This article was originally published on Channel News Asia. Its inclusion on this website is solely for education purposes.