Historical Events tagged with "hajj"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Religion & Philosophy

Deadly Stampede at Hajj Pilgrimage

September 24th, 2015 9 years ago

A severe stampede occurred during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, resulting in at least 1,100 fatalities and 934 injuries. The incident took place as thousands of pilgrims gathered for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. The overcrowded conditions led to chaos, causing a tragic human crush in a narrow street. Authorities faced criticism over crowd control measures and the overall safety of the pilgrimage.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Crane Collapse at Masjid al-Haram Mosque

September 11th, 2015 9 years ago

A construction crane collapsed into the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of 111 individuals and injuries to 394 others. The crane fell due to severe winds that were recorded at the time, and it struck the mosque during a busy period leading up to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Emergency services responded promptly to assist those affected and conduct rescue operations amidst the chaos following the incident.

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Natural Disasters

Massive Flooding Strikes Jeddah During Hajj

November 25th, 2009 15 years ago

In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, torrential rains caused severe flooding during the Hajj pilgrimage. Thousands of cars were swept away, resulting in significant damage and loss of life, with reports indicating that 122 people were confirmed dead and around 350 others went missing. The city was caught off guard, facing an infrastructure collapse that hampered rescue and relief efforts as heavy rains overwhelmed the drainage systems.

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Religion & Philosophy

Stampede at Stoning of the Devil Ritual

January 12th, 2006 19 years ago

A stampede occurred during the Stoning of the Devil ritual in Mina, resulting in the deaths of at least 362 Muslim pilgrims. This ritual is a part of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars symbolizing the rejection of evil. The stampede was attributed to overcrowding, as thousands of pilgrims gathered simultaneously at the site. The incident raised concerns over crowd management and safety protocols during the pilgrimage, which draws millions from around the world each year.

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Religion & Philosophy

Hajj Pilgrimage Stampede Causes Casualties

February 1st, 2004 21 years ago

During the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, a stampede occurred resulting in 251 fatalities and 244 injuries. The incident took place as hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims were participating in the rituals, specifically during the stoning of the devil. This chaotic situation arose due to overcrowding and mismanagement of the crowd, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in managing such large gatherings. The tragic event marked one of the deadliest incidents in Hajj history.

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Religion & Philosophy

Stampede at Jamaraat Bridge during Hajj

March 5th, 2001 24 years ago

During the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, a stampede occurred at the Jamaraat Bridge, resulting in the deaths of 35 pilgrims. The incident happened while worshippers were participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil, an essential rite of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims from various countries gathered in large numbers which led to overcrowding and chaos. Emergency services were deployed to control the situation, and confusion reigned as the unfortunate incident unfolded amidst the religious festivities.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mecca Tunnel Tragedy Claims 1,400 Lives

July 2nd, 1990 34 years ago

During the Hajj pilgrimage, a horrific incident occurred in a pedestrian tunnel leading to Mecca, where 1,400 Muslim pilgrims were suffocated and trampled. This catastrophic event unfolded when overcrowding resulted in a surge in the narrow tunnel, leading to panic and chaos. The pilgrims, many of whom were seeking to fulfill their religious obligations, found themselves trapped and unable to escape as conditions worsened.

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Military & Warfare

Grand Mosque Seizure by Sunni Muslims

November 20th, 1979 45 years ago

Around 200 Sunni Muslims took control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, seizing approximately 6,000 hostages. The group objected to the Saudi government’s policies, catalyzing a dramatic standoff with authorities. The Saudi government, facing an unprecedented crisis, sought assistance from French special forces to regain control, culminating in a significant military operation within one of Islam's holiest sites.

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Military & Warfare

Qarmatian Invasion of the Sacred City

January 11th, 930 1095 years ago

The Qarmatians, an Islamic sect, captured Mecca, disrupting the annual Hajj pilgrimage. They desecrated the Kaaba, stole the Black Stone, and carried it to their base in Eastern Arabia. The raid was a significant challenge to the authority of the Abbasid Caliphate, highlighting internal divisions within the Islamic community. This bold act aimed to assert the Qarmatians' religious and political power in the region.

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