Thahir Asmal, Radio Islam News – 22-06-2018

Saudi Arabia has advised people in several categories, including those aged over 65 and those with chronic diseases not to perform Hajj.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health says the warning will benefit those that may not be able to cope, especially due to the mid-summer heat in 2018.

Temperatures in the country are expected to be around 45 degrees celsius during the five days of Hajj in mid to late August.

Authorities says that those with conditions such as heart, kidney, respiratory, diabetes, immune deficiency malignancy and terminal illnesses should abstain from travelling. Pregnant women and children aged under 12 years are also advised to stay away.

Health and safety experts from Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK, in supporting the recommendations by the Saudi Ministry of Health, express grave concern that the vast majority of pilgrims at Hajj fall in the high-risk categories.

“Therefore, they are more prone to tragic incidents, hardship and difficulties due to overcrowding, harsh weather, lack of acclimatisation, strenuous physical activities, and dehydration while performing Hajj rituals.”