Hajj Pilgrims Urged Not to Overexert Themselves in Worship Ahead of Peak Hajj; Many Deaths Occur Among Ages 40-50

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Hajj (Wamenhaj), Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has reminded Indonesian hajj pilgrims not to overexert themselves in worship ahead of the peak Hajj rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). According to Dahnil, pilgrims must maintain their physical condition and get plenty of rest to perform the peak Hajj rituals well. He disclosed that, based on data he received, the pilgrims who have passed away are largely from non-elderly age groups. “For our pilgrims, we hope they focus on preparing for the peak Hajj, with sufficient rest,” Dahnil stated during a surprise inspection of Hajj services at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory on Tuesday (12/5/2026). He explained that many pilgrims aged 40 to 50 feel healthy and thus overly strain themselves with worship activities while in the Holy Land. “The ones who pass away are not mostly the elderly. Those who pass away are people aged 40-50 years. Why? Because on average, they feel healthy and then push their worship activities too hard,” he said. Due to excessive fatigue, Dahnil continued, pilgrims’ physical conditions decline, triggering illnesses that can lead to death. “Unknowingly, their energy depletes, illnesses emerge, from exhaustion some end up passing away,” he added. Therefore, Dahnil urged pilgrims to properly prepare themselves for the main series of rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. “Ahead of the peak Hajj, get enough rest, focus on preparations for activities in Arafah,” he clarified.