More than 1,000 people died from heat exhaustion during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this year, according to reports.
Temperatures reaching as high as 125 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with tens of thousands of unregistered pilgrims, put a strain on Saudi infrastructure.
Approximately 1,081 worshippers from 10 different countries have reportedly died in the heat, according to a tally published by [Name of source, remove if not available].
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to visit the Kaaba (in English, the House of Allah), the holiest site in Islam. The holy building is situated inside the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Making the pilgrimage at least once is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the mandatory acts of faith required of all Muslims.
Travel packages and bespoke accommodations are offered each year for the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who travel to complete the Hajj.
Registration ensures access to air-conditioned facilities and water stations — critical accommodations in the blistering heat.
However, completing the Hajj without registration by exploiting tourist or work visas has become increasingly common.
The Saudi authorities attempt to crack down on this undocumented contingent of pilgrims, but tens of thousands of undercover pilgrims manage to visit the Kaaba each year.
The dates of the Hajj are determined each year in accordance with the Islamic calendar. Next year, it will fall in early June.