A Malaysian pilgrim named Mohammad Zuhair, in his 50s, tragically passed away inside the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-haram) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, just 12 hours after arriving to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage for the first time.

Dressed in the traditional white Ihram robe, Zuhair collapsed in the Tawaf (circumambulation) courtyard of the Grand Mosque, which houses the Holy Kaaba. According to the Saudi news website Sabq, he did not suffer from any known health problems prior to his death.

Zuhair had traveled to Mecca with his wife, both having applied at the last minute in their home country of Malaysia to attend the Hajj. To their surprise, they were unexpectedly granted permission to undertake the holy journey.

After reaching Mecca as part of a group of Malaysian pilgrims, the couple proceeded to the Grand Mosque, where Zuhair completed the ritual of circling the Kaaba. However, as he was making his way towards Al Mas’aa, where the Sa’i ritual is performed, he suddenly collapsed.

Medical personnel on site rushed to provide assistance, and Zuhair was able to stand up and take a few steps before collapsing again and passing away. His wife, Fawzia, who had accompanied him on the journey, witnessed his final moments. She recalled that before leaving for the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Zuhair had asked her about the possibility of not returning, to which she had responded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform the Hajj.

Arrangements are now underway for Zuhair’s burial. The Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is an obligation for every Muslim who has the physical and financial means to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

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