The annual commemoration of the Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is a testament to the profound faith and unity in the Islamic community. However, the 2015 Hajj was marked by a tragic incident that would leave a dark spot in its centuries-old history – the Mina stampede.

On September 24, 2015, Mina, a small city about 5 kilometers from Mecca, witnessed one of the deadliest incidents in Hajj history. As pilgrims undertook the ritual of the “stoning of the devil” at Jamarat – a mandatory part of the Hajj – disaster struck in the form of a stampede.

Due to circumstances still under debate, mass panic ensued amongst the crowds, causing a tragic stampede that resulted in a significant loss of life and a multitude of injuries. Initial estimates reported over 700 deaths, but later investigations suggested the number of casualties was far greater, potentially exceeding 2400.

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