Saudi Arabia，Most of the deceased were pilgrims who traveled unofficially and were not registered.

During the pilgrimage season in Saudi Arabia, an unprecedented heatwave swept through this sacred land, resulting in a tragic loss of life for hundreds of pilgrims.

Temperatures soared to a staggering 51 degrees Celsius and above, with extreme heat becoming a deadly killer.

This news shocked the world, prompting international concern for the health and safety of pilgrims.

According to Arab diplomats, the death toll among Egyptian pilgrims reached 658, a staggering number.

Indonesia and India reported over 200 and 98 citizen deaths respectively.

Pilgrims from Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and the Iraqi Kurdistan region were also among the casualties.

The United States also confirmed fatalities among its citizens in this disaster. Families who lost loved ones searched for clues in hospitals and on social media, mourning echoed worldwide.

Jordan and Egypt launched investigations into unauthorized pilgrimage travel. Tunisian President Kais Saied even dismissed the Minister of Religious Affairs in response to strong domestic reactions to the deaths of 49 compatriots in Mecca.

Many undocumented pilgrims perished in the extreme heat, unable to benefit from official safety measures such as air-conditioned tents and cooling facilities due to illegal entry.

The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required for every Muslim to complete at least once in their lifetime.

This year, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims responded to the call to journey to Mecca.

Despite warnings and guidance issued by the Saudi Arabian health authorities, the intense heat still claimed lives.

A Nigerian pilgrim recalled the harrowing experience on the brink of life and death, grateful for divine protection that allowed her survival.

The Saudi government deployed extensive medical resources, including nearly 190 hospitals, clinics, mobile medical services, and over 40,000 medical professionals and volunteers.

However, crowded conditions and inadequate facilities remained problematic, with some pilgrims complaining of lack of air conditioning and clean water sources in the scorching weather.

Pilgrims faced long journeys in high temperatures, encountering roadblocks and chaotic management.

An organizer noted that pilgrims could walk at least 15 kilometers a day, significantly increasing their risk of heat stress.

Traffic controls in the tent areas forced pilgrims to walk several kilometers under the scorching sun, exacerbating the health crisis.

Despite strict limits on pilgrimage visas by the Saudi government, many pilgrims still chose to enter illegally, attempting to complete their sacred journey.

The presence of these "unofficial pilgrims" not only increased management burdens but also made it difficult for them to receive timely assistance in times of danger.

Many pilgrims embarked on the journey in their later years of life, with some hoping to meet the end of life during the pilgrimage.

In the Muslim faith, dying during the pilgrimage and being buried in the holy city is considered an honor.

Teams specializing in handling pilgrim deaths confirmed identities, arranged for doctors to issue death certificates, and the Saudi government provided refrigeration to preserve bodies, ensuring they were cleansed, wrapped, and buried according to Islamic customs.

Although the gravesites lack prominent markers, the government and relevant institutions meticulously recorded information about each deceased pilgrim for future reference by their families.

Faced with immense challenges, the Saudi government mobilized all available resources, from medical services to transportation, to ensure the safety of pilgrims' lives and the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The Red Crescent and other charitable organizations also played crucial roles in assisting emergency situations, ensuring proper arrangements for the deceased.

The pilgrimage is not only a manifestation of faith but also a test of humanity.

In this ultimate test of spirit and physical endurance, countless pilgrims demonstrated unwavering commitment to their faith, while the world witnessed Saudi Arabia's responsibility and dedication in the face of crisis.

Despite the sorrow shrouding the pilgrimage, the light of faith continues to shine in the hearts of every pilgrim, illuminating their path forward.