The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set tougher health requirements for the 2025 Hajj, stressing that people in good health and strong physical condition should be the only ones to make the journey.
The ministry, emphasizing the tough physical requirements of Hajj, urged participants with health concerns to rethink their participation as reported in the Khaleej Times on Sunday.
If you are over the age of 65, have chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney problems, respiratory conditions, or diabetes, or have low immunity (either from birth or developed), cancer patients, individuals with terminal illnesses, pregnant women, or children under 12, it is strongly recommended that you postpone your pilgrimage.
The advisory stresses the heightened risk of health difficulties these vulnerable groups deal with in the tough conditions of Hajj.
More than 1,300 pilgrims reportedly lost their lives during this year’s Hajj because of the extreme heat experienced in Saudi Arabia and Makkah. The association showed that deaths were the outcome of “walking long distances under direct sunlight without enough shelter,” and included a large number of elderly individuals and those living with chronic conditions.