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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Culture & Society

Hajj Pilgrims Advised on Heatstroke Prevention Amid Intense Heat

From Republika · (10m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The first group of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims has arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Officials are reminding pilgrims to manage their energy and rest due to the extreme heat.
  • Many pilgrims are reportedly overexerting themselves in religious devotion, neglecting sleep and hydration.

The first contingent of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims has safely arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, receiving a warm welcome at their hotel with Zamzam water, dates, and floral tributes. As the pilgrims prepare for their spiritual journey, officials are issuing crucial advice to help them navigate the intense heat and avoid health risks, particularly heatstroke.

Ridwan Susuwanto, head of the section for the elderly and disabled pilgrims in the Makkah working area, highlighted a common phenomenon known as 'worship euphoria.' This intense desire to maximize spiritual activities, driven by the understanding that Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, often leads pilgrims to neglect essential rest and hydration. Many are spending entire nights in prayer, including Tahajud, and are reluctant to drink frequently for fear of needing to leave the mosque for ablution.

This dedication, while commendable, poses a significant risk to their health and ability to participate in scheduled group activities. The Indonesian Hajj organizing committee (PPIH) is emphasizing the importance of balancing intense worship with adequate rest and hydration. This advice is particularly vital for Indonesian pilgrims, who are accustomed to a different climate and may underestimate the severity of the heat in Saudi Arabia. The committee's proactive approach aims to ensure the pilgrims' well-being throughout their sacred journey.

Banyak jamaah fokusnya langsung ibadah begitu sampai di Madinah atau Makkah. Mereka merasa ini momen sekali seumur hidup, jadi fokusnya ibadah terus, digeber. Bahkan ada yang sampai semalaman hingga tahajud

โ€” Ridwan SusuwantoDescribing the 'worship euphoria' among pilgrims.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.