Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Saudi response: We did not fail with Hajj

» Updated: 21 June 2024, 19:19

» Published: 21 June 2024

Saudi response: We did not fail with Hajj
Photo: Rafiq Maqbool/AP/TT

Saudi Arabia is defending its handling of the Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, after several countries reported over 1,100 deaths – many of them due to heatstroke.

The state did not fail, but people made misjudgements and did not realise the risks, says a high-ranking official representing the Saudi government.

The official states that the government has been able to confirm 577 deaths during the two most intense days of the pilgrimage.

This occurred under difficult weather conditions and very high temperatures, says the representative, acknowledging that the figure is incomplete and does not cover the entire Hajj.

Over 1.8 million people participated in this year's edition of the religious gathering, which concluded on Wednesday.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of the religion. All healthy Muslims who can afford it are expected to make the journey to Mecca in western Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime.

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Trump's Promises: What He Will Do on Day One
3 MIN READ

Trump's Promises: What He Will Do on Day One

Many buildings destroyed in forest fires in the USA
1 MIN READ

Many buildings destroyed in forest fires in the USA

Prince William: My toughest year ever
1 MIN READ

Prince William: My toughest year ever

Multiple injured in Russian bombing of Kharkiv
1 MIN READ

Multiple injured in Russian bombing of Kharkiv

Neo-Nazi Sentenced to Prison for Nazi Salute
1 MIN READ

Neo-Nazi Sentenced to Prison for Nazi Salute

Trump on mass deportations: "No price tag"
1 MIN READ

Trump on mass deportations: "No price tag"

She becomes Trump's chief of staff
2 MIN READ

She becomes Trump's chief of staff

UN: Israel Blocks Food and Water to Northern Gaza
1 MIN READ

UN: Israel Blocks Food and Water to Northern Gaza

California wants to "Trump-proof" laws
1 MIN READ

California wants to "Trump-proof" laws

France considers new sanctions against settlers
1 MIN READ

France considers new sanctions against settlers

Putin: Trump is a brave man
1 MIN READ

Putin: Trump is a brave man

Trump's new gang: "People who don't say no"
3 MIN READ

Trump's new gang: "People who don't say no"

"The Black Sheep" Orbán Celebrated Trump with Vodka
1 MIN READ

"The Black Sheep" Orbán Celebrated Trump with Vodka

Colombia resumes peace talks with guerrilla
1 MIN READ

Colombia resumes peace talks with guerrilla

The spread of mpox slows down in Africa
1 MIN READ

The spread of mpox slows down in Africa

Ireland participates in genocide process against Israel
1 MIN READ

Ireland participates in genocide process against Israel

43 Monkeys on the Loose from Research Center
1 MIN READ

43 Monkeys on the Loose from Research Center

Musk helped Trump - what does he get in return?
3 MIN READ

Musk helped Trump - what does he get in return?

Attack on hospital in Ukraine – several dead
2 MIN READ

Attack on hospital in Ukraine – several dead

Zelensky: Concessions are unacceptable
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Concessions are unacceptable