Hajj pilgrims begin to return home from Mecca
Among casualties this season, one of the pilgrims from Maldives died while another person was treated for a heart attack.
By
Aishath Maha
The first batch of Maldivian pilgrims arrived in the Maldives on Monday after completing this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
A total 1,150 people from Maldives went for Hajj this year. All of them went for Hajj via the Hajj Corporation.
The first group of pilgrims from Maldives left on 1st of this month.
The pilgrims will arrive in four groups over four days. The pilgrims are scheduled to arrive:
-
Group 1 - 24 June
-
Group 2 - 28 June
-
Group 3 - 1 July
-
Group 4 - 4 July
Among casualties this season, one of the pilgrims from Maldives died while another person was treated for a heart attack.
Islamic Minister Mohammed Shaheem said this year’s Hajj operation was successful and expressed his pleasure over the arrangements.
He noted that:
-
Food was provided with quality Maldivian flavours
-
Patients were provided with the highest level of medical assistance
-
Among the pilgrims, special care was given to dialysis patients, some cancer patients and those with heart disease
-
Admitted patients were provided with high level medical service
-
About 100 pilgrims who lost their way were located with the help of a gps device
-
There was no one who could not enter Arafat
-
The sick were also taken to Arafat
-
A large number of pilgrims in wheelchairs were assisted
-
Arafat's tent arrangements were very well done
Although he noted that most parts of the pilgrimage went well, the minister also acknowledged the problem with the criticised congestion in the Mina tents. He said the causes of it will be investigated and necessary steps will be taken to improve the situation in the future.
According to Shaheem, the highest priority was given to the safety and health of the pilgrims during the ongoing heat wave in Mecca. He also thanked all those who helped to make this year's Hajj a success.
