Peak Of Hajj Today: Arafah Celebration To 14 Languages, Day Temperatures In Saudi Arabia Can Achieve 44 Degrees Celsius

Illustration of Hajj pilgrims while attending Wukuf in Arafah. (Wikimedia Commons/Al Jazeera English)

JAKARTA - The government of Saudi Arabia will translate the Wukuf sermon in Arafah, the peak of the pilgrimage which will be held on Friday to 14 languages, while the temperature in the country can reach 44 degrees Celsius.

Saudi Arabia's National Meteorological Center said holy places in Mecca would experience high temperatures during the 2022 Hajj season, with the highest afternoon temperatures between 42 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius, reported National News July 7.

With wind speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour, dust can affect visibility, especially in open areas and on highways. Rain and thunderstorms are also possible, and meteorological centers (NCM) say thunderstorms can affect the southern Makkah region during the period from 9-13 Dzulhijah, which falls on July 8-12.

This year, Hajj falls in July, making heat shock a significant risk for pilgrims. The Saudi Arabian government has issued an appeal for the congregation to remain hydrated.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health on Thursday allocated 238 hospital beds, distributed in Mecca, Medina, and holy places, to treat hot stroke patients.

Heatstroke is responsible for 28 percent of Hajj deaths during the Hajj season, the ministry said. As described as the most serious heat-related disease, it occurs after over-lasting contact with high temperatures. The body can no longer cool itself and internal temperatures can quickly rise above 37oC.

Illustration of pilgrims crowding the Great Mosque in Mecca. (Wikimedia Commons/Adli Wahid)

The ministry advised worshipers to stay in their tents or in the shade for the hottest part of the day.

Meanwhile, the Government of Saudi Arabia will also provide the translation of the Wukuf sermon in Arafah into 14 different languages, part of an effort to convey moderate messages and tolerance to the public as wide as possible.

Citing Arab News, Sheikh Dr. Abdurrahman As-Sudais, the president of the General Presidency for Dua Mosque Affairs, said the Kingdom's leadership offers unlimited support for the development of services for the Prophet's Mosque and the Grand Mosque.

As Arafat's direct translation enters its fifth year, the step has been expanded to cover 14 languages, he said. The direct translation of the Arafat Day sermon is a broad work for the world, and especially for visitors to holy places, allowing non-Arab speakers to listen in their native language, he explained.

This translation is beneficial for 1 million people in the first year, 11 million in the second year, 50 million in the third year, 100 million in the fourth year and will reach 200 million people worldwide by 2022, he added.

He said that the sermon was originally translated into two languages. It was upgraded to five and, then, 10 languages. Leadership then approved the translation in English, French, Malay, Urdu, Persian, Russian, Chinese, mediate, Turkish, and Hausa, with Spain, India, Swahili, and Tamil added to this year's list.

He added that Saudi Arabia's leadership oversees the progress of international live translation projects, to serve the believer, fair and wise around the world, adding that the project is taking a stand against violence, extremism, and terrorism.

"This understanding aims to convey the message of truth, justice, tolerance, and moderate Islam to the world," he said.