At least 1,300 people died during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca this year.
It was unclear whether the death toll was higher than usual, as each year pilgrims die from heat stress, illness and chronic disease.
But the toll has raised questions about whether Saudi Arabia made adequate preparations for intense heat and the influx of unregistered pilgrims who, the authorities say, relied on illicit tour operators to skirt the official permit process.
Here’s what to know about this year’s hajj.
The hajj, a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims who are physically and financially able are obliged to perform it at least once in their lives.
Locations:
Mecca, Saudi Arabia