Hajj Pilgrims on Tashreeq Day Amid High Temperatures and Tight Security Measures

Mecca, Saudi Arabia – Under the blazing sun of the Saudi desert, more than 1.8 million Muslim pilgrims observed the sacred Days of Tashreeq, a key phase of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, amid extreme heat and a blanket of stringent security measures. The journey, physically taxing and spiritually profound, tested the endurance, discipline, and devotion of believers from across the globe.

With temperatures soaring to 45°C (113°F) in the holy sites of Mina, Mecca, and Arafat, Saudi authorities ramped up safety protocols to ensure the well-being of the massive gathering of faithful. Despite the severe weather and dense crowds, the pilgrims remained resolute, unified by their shared goal of fulfilling one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.

Understanding the Significance of Tashreeq Days

The Days of Tashreeq – the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar – come immediately after Eid al-Adha, and are an integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage. These days are primarily marked by the ritual stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina, where pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone structures symbolizing Satan’s temptation of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

The symbolic act serves as a reenactment of Ibrahim’s resistance to evil and affirms the pilgrim’s commitment to reject sin. Each of the three pillars – Jamarat al-Sughra (small), Jamarat al-Wusta (medium), and Jamarat al-Kubra (large) – must be pelted with seven pebbles daily during the Tashreeq days.

Many pilgrims describe this portion of Hajj as both emotionally liberating and physically demanding. For many, the stoning ritual is a moment of catharsis, symbolizing the casting away of personal struggles, sins, and worldly distractions.

Blistering Heat Poses Health Risks

This year’s Hajj coincided with a fierce heat wave that enveloped much of the Arabian Peninsula. With little shade and minimal vegetation in the open plains of Mina, the intense heat posed a considerable risk to the health of pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

In response, Saudi authorities activated emergency health protocols. Over 32,000 medical staff were deployed across the holy sites, supported by mobile clinics, field hospitals, ambulance units, and emergency tents equipped with cooling systems. Heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion were the most common medical issues reported.

Dr. Ali al-Mutairi, a health official stationed in Mina, noted:

Pilgrims were advised to carry water bottles, wear light clothing, use umbrellas for shade, and take regular breaks. Thousands of volunteers and scouts distributed cold water, juice, and wet towels to help pilgrims manage the extreme conditions.

Testimonies of Pilgrims: Faith Over Fatigue

For the pilgrims, enduring physical challenges is considered part of the spiritual purification that Hajj entails. Despite the hardships, many remained enthusiastic and grateful.

Amina Yusuf, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Nigeria, said:

“Yes, the heat is unbearable at times, but the reward is far greater. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for me. Every step, every sweat drop is worth it.”

Mohammed Asif, a software engineer from Hyderabad, India, echoed the sentiment:

“We prepared for months. The moment I threw the first pebble, I felt an emotional release. It’s not easy, but it’s beautiful.”

Pilgrims often travel with families, and special arrangements were made to help children and elderly participants complete the rituals safely. Many used wheelchairs or were assisted by relatives and volunteers.

Security: Massive Operation Ensures Crowd Safety

Ensuring the safety of over a million pilgrims is a monumental task. The Saudi Ministry of Interior launched a massive security operation involving over 100,000 personnel, including police, emergency responders, special forces, and civil defense teams.

Key components of the security strategy included:

• Electronic ID Bracelets: Most pilgrims wore smart bracelets containing personal health data, location trackers, and emergency contact information.
• Surveillance Drones: Advanced drone systems monitored crowd movement and flagged any irregular activity.
• Staggered Scheduling: Pilgrims were assigned specific time slots to visit the Jamarat Bridge, helping prevent overcrowding and stampedes.
• AI Monitoring Systems: AI-powered analytics processed real-time footage to detect congestion points and trigger automatic responses.
• Checkpoints and Controlled Access: Multiple checkpoints ensured that only registered pilgrims entered the designated areas, reducing risks of unauthorized access and overcrowding.

Col. Fahad Al-Qahtani of the Hajj Security Forces stated:

“Safety is our top priority. With modern surveillance and coordination, we have made major improvements in crowd control over the years.”

These advancements follow past tragedies, such as the 2015 Mina stampede, which resulted in over 2,000 deaths. Since then, Saudi Arabia has invested billions in infrastructure upgrades and technology integration to make Hajj safer.

Logistics: Managing the Movement of Millions

From accommodation to transportation, the Hajj is an operation of immense scale. Pilgrims are housed in massive air-conditioned tent cities in Mina, while fleets of buses, trains, and even helicopters are used to shuttle people between sacred sites like Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mecca.

The Mashaer Railway, an electric metro line operating exclusively during Hajj, ferried hundreds of thousands between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, over 17,000 buses operated around the clock to meet the needs of pilgrims.

Logistical efforts also included:

• Meal Distribution: Over 20 million meals were provided by licensed catering agencies.
• Waste Management: Thousands of workers ensured clean surroundings, with around 12,000 tons of waste collected daily.
• Communication Services: Free SIM cards and WiFi access were provided to help pilgrims stay in touch with their families.

Spiritual Atmosphere Amid Challenges

Despite the searing heat and heightened security, the atmosphere remained deeply spiritual. Chanting of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (Here I am, O Allah, here I am) echoed through the air, as pilgrims recited prayers and sought forgiveness.

Islamic scholars accompanied many groups, offering guidance and clarifying rituals to ensure proper adherence to Islamic principles. The Saudi government also facilitated multilingual services including announcements, signage, and medical interpretation for pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Volunteers played a vital role — from guiding the elderly to distributing food and water. Many Saudi youth were seen enthusiastically helping foreign pilgrims, offering everything from directions to phone charging stations.

After Tashreeq: Final Rites and Departure

Following the Days of Tashreeq, pilgrims return to Mecca to perform the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada) – circling the Kaaba seven times as a concluding act of Hajj. After this, most pilgrims begin their journey back home, carrying not just souvenirs but a lifetime of memories and spiritual transformation.

The completion of Hajj is a profound milestone in a Muslim’s life, often considered a rebirth of the soul. Many pilgrims express a renewed commitment to their faith, ethics, and community after the journey.

Conclusion: Faith Over Fear, Devotion Over Discomfort

The 2025 Hajj season, particularly the Days of Tashreeq, underscored the timeless resilience of Muslim pilgrims. Braving the unforgiving heat, tight schedules, and crowded conditions, they displayed immense discipline and devotion.

While Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safety and modernization was evident in every corner of the pilgrimage, it was the unshakable spirit of the pilgrims that truly defined this year’s Hajj.

Whether it was the heartfelt prayers at Arafat, the overnight stays at Muzdalifah, or the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, each ritual was performed with a powerful sense of unity and spiritual purpose. The Day of Tashreeq, in particular, offered a poignant reminder of the human capacity to overcome hardship in pursuit of something greater.

As the sun sets over the holy cities and pilgrims prepare to return to their homes, they leave not just as travelers, but as Hajis – transformed individuals carrying the blessings of an unforgettable spiritual journey.