Mecca Hajj 2025: Heatwave Forces Pilgrims to Pray Under Bridge

Mecca Hajj 2025: Extreme Heat Forces Pilgrims to Pray Under Bridge The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, faced unprecedented challenges this year due to extreme heat. On Tuesday, May 30th, 2025, a large number of pilgrims were forced to perform their Friday prayers under a bridge due to severe overcrowding at the main prayer sites. The extreme heat prompted Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the President of Religious Affairs at the Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, to issue an order shortening the duration of Friday prayers and sermons. "The heat was unbearable," said one pilgrim interviewed by Astro AWANI. "We were unable to find a spot in the main prayer area, so we had to pray under the bridge." The video footage shows hundreds of pilgrims performing their prayers in the shade of the bridge, illustrating the scale of the situation. The decision to shorten the prayers was made to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, many of whom were elderly or vulnerable to heatstroke. Despite the difficulties, the spirit of devotion among the pilgrims remained strong. The video serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage and the measures taken to ensure their safety and comfort. The shortened prayers allowed for better management of the crowds and reduced the risk of heat-related illnesses.