By Sadiq Abdulfatah

A Malaysian pilgrim has died after collapsing while on his way to perform Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on May 1.

The 65-year-old man from Pahang was pronounced dead at 12:15pm local time due to heart complications, according to the head of the Malaysian Hajj delegation, Mohd Hisham Harun.

He said the man was with his wife for the annual Hajj pilgrimage when he suddenly collapsed in the courtyard area of the mosque.

Medical teams at the scene attempted to revive him before he was rushed to Jiwar Jabal Omar Hospital for further treatment. He was later confirmed dead at the medical facility.

Hajj officials said arrangements for the funeral were handled by Tabung Haji, including prayers at the Grand Mosque and burial at Al Sharayea Cemetery in Mecca.

Tabung Haji is Malaysia’s Islamic institution responsible for managing savings and logistics for pilgrims travelling for Hajj.

Officials also confirmed that the man’s wife has been receiving support from welfare officers, counsellors, and religious guides in Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Source: The Straits Times