Minister Warns Hajj Pilgrims of Scorching Hot Weather in Saudi Arabia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Hajj pilgrims will start leaving for Saudi Arabia on May 12, 2024, while the scorching hot weather is expected to hit the Holy Land. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, urged Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to maintain their health.

Minister Yaqut warned the pilgrims after he inspected the preparation of hotels, buses, and catering kitchens for Hajj pilgrims in Mecca. Accompanying him were Special Staff of PR to the Minister of Religious Affairs Wibowo Prasetyo, Special Staff of Legal Affairs to the Minister of Religious Affairs Abdul Qodir, Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah Yusron Baha'uddin Ambary, Hajj Consul of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah Nasrullah Jasam, Head of Mecca Staff Khalilurrahman, Head of Madinah Staff Ali Machzumi, Head of Accommodation Zaenal Muttaqin, and Head of Transportation Mujib Roni.

"The weather is scorching hot, reaching 40 degrees (Celsius). This isn't the peak yet,” he said on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. "A few days ago, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia said that the air temperature during the peak of Hajj could reach 48 to 50 degrees." 

Yaqut urged the pilgrims to maintain their health and physical fitness, noting that Hajj is a physical worship activity. Hajj pilgrims are advised to get enough rest before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

“But don't worry. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared officers with the Ministry of Health who will serve the pilgrims 24 hours. Don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance,” said Yaqut.

The ministry has carried out several measures to help maintain the health of Hajj pilgrims. Those measures include the health istithaah, required for Hajj payment, and Hajj Gymnastics. Hajj Gymnastics is filled with simple movements created by healthy exercise experts aimed at Hajj pilgrims, including those who are elderly.

HENDRIK YAPUTRA

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