49°C in Mina: Hajj Pilgrims Walk 10km for Stoning Ritual
Millions of Hajj pilgrims from around the world are currently facing extreme physical challenges in Mina, Saudi Arabia. After completing the wukuf phase at the Plain of Arafat and staying overnight in Muzdalifah on Tuesday (26 May), pilgrims have begun the stoning ritual of Jamarat al-Aqabah amid scorching temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius.
In Mina, pilgrims opting for nafar awal will stay for three days, while those choosing nafar tsani will remain for four days to complete all stoning rites.
Abdullah AR, a Hajj and Umrah guide from KBIHU Ibnu Mas’ud in Aceh Province, stated that the main challenge for pilgrims is the distance to the Jamarat site. With no vehicle access along the route, pilgrims must walk through the searing heat.
“The distance between accommodation tents and the stoning site ranges from 3 to 4.5 kilometres, meaning pilgrims must walk 6 to 10 kilometres round-trip depending on their tent location,” Abdullah AR told Media Indonesia on Wednesday (27 May).
Abdullah, formerly the head of Pidie Regency’s Hajj and Umrah Office, described this as a re-enactment of the struggles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and previous prophets, requiring unwavering faith and physical endurance.
Field reports indicate the heat is affecting pilgrims’ health, with many experiencing throat irritation and coughs due to dry air.
“I’ve already started experiencing throat issues and coughing, which has affected my voice. Many other pilgrims are suffering similarly,” said the man, known as Abi Abdullah.
He stressed the importance of Indonesian pilgrims, especially those from the Aceh embarkation (BTJ), maintaining healthy habits. Key measures include drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities.
“Hajj is a physical act of worship requiring sufficient energy. We hope all pilgrims maintain their fitness until the rites conclude and achieve a mabrur Hajj,” he added.
This year’s global Hajj quota is attended by over three million Muslims. Indonesia, the largest contributor, has 221,000 pilgrims, including 5,426 from the Aceh embarkation (BTJ).
The government, through the Hajj Service Personnel (PPIH), is monitoring pilgrim movements and ensuring health services are available along the Jamarat route to prevent heatstroke and extreme exhaustion.
Hajj and Umrah Ministry Spokesperson Maria Assegaff stated that all movement phases are proceeding according to the planned operational scheme.
She explained that all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims had moved to Arafat since Monday (25 May) at 7am Saudi time.
The 5,426 Hajj pilgrims from Aceh have begun moving to the Plain of Arafat for wukuf. Pilgrims are urged to increase remembrance of God and prayers during the peak of the Hajj.
267 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are participating in a medical-supervised wukuf safari during the 1447 AH Hajj peak.
The Indonesian Hajj Minister stated that the Saudi government hopes Indonesia’s Hajj service quality will be maintained and improved in the coming years.