Hajj fever deaths: Egyptian pilgrims ‘completely abandoned’

Hundreds of people are believed to have died in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soared during the hajj pilgrimage. The victims came from more than 20 countries, most of whom were from Egypt. The BBC visited a community there which has lost more than 20 people.

Many Egyptian pilgrims come from impoverished villages. They spend their life savings on a spiritual journey to Islam’s holiest city.

Effendiya, a 70-year-old mother of five from the northern province of Menufia, whose youngest son, Sayyed, told me that she sold her jewelry to pay for the trip but died during the ceremony.

“My mother’s death breaks my heart,” he said through tears. He explained that going to Hajj was his mother’s biggest dream.

Effendiya, a widow, traveled to Mecca on a tourist visa rather than an official Hajj visa.

She is one of hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims who hope to fulfill their religious obligations this year without a special Hajj permit.

Saudi authorities consider these unofficial visits a violation of their rules. But the process of obtaining official permission to perform Hajj can sometimes become expensive or complicated.

In Egypt, a country mired in economic crisis, joining the official Hajj convoy costs around $6,000 (£4,700) per person.

Her family said Efendia’s trip was organized by a local agent who charged her half the fee but promised her five-star service.

The reality, they say, is completely different.

This year’s Arafat Day falls on June 15, and pilgrims gather from sunrise to sunset on Mount Arafat – about 20 kilometers [12 miles] From Mecca – used in prayers and sermons.

“The bus dropped them about 12 kilometers from Mount Arafat and left. She had to walk all the way,” said Efendia’s eldest son Tariq.

“Whenever I call her via video chat, she pours water on her head. She can’t stand the heat.

“She looked tired the last time we spoke.”

Pilgrims typically stay in air-conditioned tents, and buses travel between the holy sites and medical care is provided.

Sayyed said Afendiya and other unregistered pilgrims “do not have these facilities and they are completely abandoned.” He added that they tried to protect themselves from the scorching heat by pitching tents with sheets.

Her family said they were unable to contact the agent who organized her trip.

Hajj is one of the main pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to attend once in their lifetime – if financially and physically able – and believe that their sins have been washed away when they return from the pilgrimage.

It is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. Nearly 2 million pilgrims are traveling to Mecca this year.

But no one expects their journey to end in death.

Egyptian authorities said many of the dead pilgrims were not registered, making it difficult to determine an official death toll. The ministry said more time and effort was needed to identify the deceased and contact their families.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly said an investigation would be launched into the activities of all tourism companies involved in sending unregistered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

“I feel scared without my mother,” said Manal, Efendia’s eldest daughter, with sadness in her eyes.

She recalled that when she received the news that her mother had died, she started screaming.

“Shortly before she died, she called my brother and told him that she felt like her soul was leaving her body. I just wish I could have been with her,” Manar told me, tears streaming down her cheeks. Roll down.

Effendiya died as she lay gasping for air in the shade on a street corner.

Her heartbroken children found some comfort in the fact that she was buried in Mecca.

“She wanted to be buried in the Holy City after her death,” Manar said.

“Her dream came true.”