As the scorching summer heat sweeps in, over 1.8 million Muslims have embarked on the pilgrimage to the vicinity of Mecca in western Saudi Arabia for the important Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.
In this suffocatingly hot weather, the pilgrims proceed with devout steps towards their sacred destination.
Heartbreaking news from the Jordanian Foreign Ministry on Sunday reported that at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have succumbed to the intense heat, with 17 more missing.
Similarly, in Iran, the head of the Red Crescent announced that five Iranian pilgrims had also died in Mecca and Medina, though specific details of their deaths remain unknown.
These numbers highlight not only the threat of extreme heat to human survival but also the enormous risks involved in conducting pilgrimage activities in such harsh conditions.
Sunday marked the ritual of stoning the devil. At dawn, pilgrims surged towards the Mina valley, where they threw stones at a pillar representing Satan, symbolizing their rejection of evil and adherence to righteousness.
Despite the unbearable summer heat, the stoning ritual was carried out as scheduled.
At noon, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, pilgrims could be seen collapsing from exhaustion on the road to the Mina pillar, seeking temporary shade under rare structures and vehicles.
A 70-year-old Egyptian man, Ahmed Al-Sayed Omran, sitting on a sidewalk, exhausted and helpless, said in an interview, "It's really hard, we can't find transportation, I can't even stand up."
Despite his advanced age and physical exhaustion, he remained resolute, unwilling to forgo this pilgrimage opportunity.
This steadfast faith burns in the heart of every pilgrim, motivating them to overcome numerous challenges to complete this sacred journey.
Saudi officials revealed that during last year's pilgrimage, over 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were recorded, with 10% being severe cases such as heatstroke.
While the authorities have not released specific figures for this year, it is easy to imagine the hardships and challenges faced by the pilgrims in such extreme heat.
The threat of high temperatures poses not only physical risks but also psychological stress.
In this extreme environment, people must deal with both physical exhaustion and psychological anxiety and tension.
To address the challenges of high temperatures, the Saudi government and related organizations have implemented various measures.
Numerous medical stations and emergency rescue teams have been deployed in areas with high concentrations of pilgrims to provide timely medical assistance and support.
Additionally, various shading facilities and water supply points have been set up along the routes to offer as much protection as possible to the pilgrims.
However, even with these measures in place, the high temperatures remain a formidable challenge.
Despite this, over 1.8 million pilgrims from around the world have gathered here, united by a common faith and expectation.
They pray and recite the Quran on Mount Arafat, enduring temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius, steadfast in their faith and completing each pilgrimage ritual.
At this moment, Muslims worldwide seem to unite as one, collectively expressing their devotion and reverence to God.
The prayers on Mount Arafat represent the climax of the pilgrimage, where pilgrims spend a day seeking God's forgiveness and blessings.
During this process, each person feels a profound spiritual purification, as if the sweat under the scorching sun washes away a year's sins and troubles.
This spiritual cleansing fills each pilgrim with renewed strength and hope.
In this pilgrimage, many personal stories become part of the collective memory.
For instance, the determination and faith of the 70-year-old Egyptian man Ahmed Al-Sayed Omran have moved countless people.
There is also the story of an Indian family of four who saved for over a decade to complete their pilgrimage, all for the moment of prayer on Mount Arafat.
These personal stories not only showcase the power of each pilgrim's faith but also reflect the unity and shared belief of the entire Muslim community.
The pilgrimage is a significant event in the Muslim world, attracting widespread attention from the international community.
Governments and international organizations have expressed concern and provided various forms of support.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent have set up multiple rescue points on-site to offer medical and emergency services to the pilgrims.
The United Nations and other international organizations have called for global attention to the impact of climate change on human activities, advocating for more measures to combat extreme weather.
Facing the trend of global warming, protecting the safety of pilgrims has become an urgent issue.
Scientists and environmentalists urge more proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.
At the same time, pilgrimage organizers are continually improving and refining emergency plans to enhance the safety of pilgrims.
Despite the many challenges, the power of faith continues to drive countless Muslims to embark on the pilgrimage to Mecca every summer, undeterred by hardships.
It is this unwavering faith that sustains them through the trials of extreme heat, enabling them to complete this sacred journey.
The pilgrimage is not just a physical test but also a spiritual baptism, through which each pilgrim gains new strength and hope.
The challenges posed by global warming to pilgrims remind us of the urgency of protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
Globally, countries need to work together, reducing carbon emissions and strengthening environmental protection measures to tackle this worldwide issue.
Meanwhile, we must also recognize the immense power of faith, which, regardless of environmental adversity, continues to provide people with boundless strength and hope.
In the future, we hope to see a safer, greener pilgrimage environment, allowing every devout Muslim to complete this sacred journey with peace of mind.
Throughout this process, the collective effort of the global community will be key.
Only through unity and cooperation can we effectively address the challenges posed by climate change, leaving a better planet for future generations.
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