Pilgrims Endure Scorching Heat as Hajj Concludes Amid Regional Tensions

On May 27 2026, millions of Muslims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, to perform the final “stoning of the devil” rite at the Jamarat pillars. After collecting pebbles at Muzdalifah, pilgrims chanted “Allahu akbar” while hurling stones at three pillars, reenacting Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan. The ritual unfolded under temperatures exceeding 45 °C (113 °F); medical teams treated heat-related collapses, while many used umbrellas, water sprays, and handheld fans to stay cool.

Muslim pilgrims perform Hajj rituals in strong heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations start

The Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars, obliges every financially and physically able Muslim to travel to Mecca at least once. Its climax coincides with Eid al-Adha, the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. This year’s pilgrimage occurs against a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war, a nominal U.S.–brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and a fragile truce in the Gaza Strip, all shaping the regional atmosphere surrounding the holy rites.

1.5 Million Muslim Pilgrims Brave 45-Degree Heat for Hajj Rituals

• More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived from abroad, according to Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, commander of the Hajj passport forces.

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• Ambient temperature has risen above 45 °C, prompting the deployment of thousands of misting fans and hundreds of mobile triage units.

1.5 Million Muslim Pilgrims Brave 45-Degree Heat for Hajj Rituals

• Saudi authorities have distributed millions of liters of Zamzam water and mandated umbrella use during peak daylight.

1.5 Million Muslim Pilgrims Brave 45-Degree Heat for Hajj Rituals

• Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 72,803 Palestinian deaths since the October 2023 conflict, without a civilian-militant breakdown.

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Saudi officials emphasized that the pilgrimage proceeds safely despite “intense heat” and regional uncertainty. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba confirmed the arrival of over 1.5 million pilgrims and highlighted the extensive medical and cooling infrastructure. Indonesian travel authorities instructed that additional costs not be passed to pilgrims, while Indian officials noted rising fuel prices affecting travel expenses. U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran on the war, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated” and described it as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” pending finalization.

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Medical teams reported numerous heat-related illnesses, and some elderly or disabled pilgrims required wheelchairs to reach the Jamarat pillars. Displaced Muslims in Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere described Eid al-Adha as muted or absent, citing loss of homes and loved ones. The intense heat and ongoing conflicts have amplified concerns about pilgrim safety and the capacity of Saudi authorities to manage such a massive gathering under stress.

1.5 Million Muslim Pilgrims Brave 45-Degree Heat for Hajj Rituals

Casualty figures for Gaza come solely from the Hamas-run Health Ministry; independent verification is lacking. Temperature readings are described qualitatively (“intense heat,” “above 45 °C”) without precise meteorological data. Exact numbers of medical personnel, misting fans and triage units are not disclosed, leaving gaps in the full scope of the health response.

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• “throwing the stone to my own devil.” — Aamar Shakur, pilgrim from Pakistan

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• “There is no Eid for us. We are displaced, forced to leave our land, our homes, our livelihoods, while our memories are being destroyed,” — Rabee Khreis, displaced Lebanese

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• “This is not Eid... we’re dead,” — Mahmoud Saqer, displaced man from Gaza

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• “I am in a state of blessing and happiness,” — Samya Abdul Moneim, Egyptian pilgrim

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Pilgrims will gather on the plain of Arafat on Tuesday, marking the pilgrimage’s pinnacle, before completing the final circumambulation of the Kaaba. Simultaneously, diplomatic talks aim to finalize the Iran peace memorandum, while ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah remain precarious. Saudi authorities will continue monitoring heat conditions and medical needs as the Hajj concludes and Eid al-Adha celebrations unfold worldwide.

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