The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced stricter health criteria for pilgrims planning to undertake the 2025 Hajj, emphasizing that only healthy and physically fit individuals should perform the pilgrimage.
Citing the extreme physical demands of Hajj – where participants may walk up to 25 kilometres per day under intense summer heat – the ministry warned that those with pre-existing health conditions should reconsider attending, according to a Khaleej Times article published on Sunday.
Individuals over 65, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney problems, respiratory issues or diabetes, as well as those with immune deficiencies (either congenital or acquired), cancer patients, individuals with terminal illnesses, pregnant women and children under 12 are strongly advised to postpone their pilgrimage.
The advisory highlights the increased risk of health complications these vulnerable groups may face in the harsh conditions of the pilgrimage.
Over 1,300 pilgrims reportedly died during this year's Hajj as extreme heat swept across Saudi Arabia and the holy city of Makkah.
The deaths were attributed to "walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort.” The deceased also included elderly people and those suffering from chronic illnesses.
Extreme temperatures, hitting a high of 51.8℃, battered the nearly 2 million people who flocked Makkah for this year's Hajj.