The hajj, a sacred pilgrimage that draws millions of Muslims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has been plagued by a series of tragic incidents in recent years. From deadly stampedes to devastating fires and militant attacks, these disasters have claimed the lives of countless worshippers and left an indelible mark on the centuries-old tradition.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in 2015 when a stampede during the "stoning of the devil" ritual in Mina, near Mecca, claimed the lives of up to 2,300 pilgrims. This tragedy followed another devastating event less than two weeks earlier, when a crane collapsed onto the Grand Mosque in Mecca, killing more than 100 people and injuring hundreds more.
Stampedes have been a recurring problem during the hajj, with incidents in 2006, 2004, 1998, 1994, and 1990 resulting in hundreds of deaths. These tragedies are often attributed to the massive crowds of worshippers, which can reach several million during the peak of the pilgrimage.
In addition to stampedes, the hajj has also been targeted by militant attacks. In 1989, a twin attack on the outside of the Grand Mosque killed one person and wounded 16 others. More notably, in 1979, hundreds of gunmen calling for the abdication of the Saudi royal family barricaded themselves inside the Grand Mosque, taking dozens of pilgrims hostage. The official toll of the assault and subsequent fighting, which occurred after the hajj had concluded, was 153 dead and 560 wounded.
Political tensions have also spilled over into the hajj, as evidenced by the suppression of an unauthorized protest by Iranian pilgrims in 1987. The incident resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people, including 275 Iranians, according to official figures.
Fires have also taken a deadly toll on hajj pilgrims. In 1997, a fire caused by a gas stove ripped through a camp housing pilgrims at Mina, killing 343 and injuring around 1,500. Similar incidents in 1995 and 1975 claimed the lives of hundreds more.
Despite these tragedies, the hajj remains a vital part of the Islamic faith, drawing millions of worshippers each year. The last time the pilgrimage was cancelled outright was in 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced Saudi Arabia to drastically reduce the number of participants, allowing just a few thousand people to attend. However, with pandemic-era restrictions lifted, the hajj drew more than 1.8 million pilgrims last year, according to official figures.
As the hajj continues to be a central pillar of the Islamic faith, authorities and organizers must remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of the millions of worshippers who undertake this sacred journey each year.
