To be buried there

Kurdish pilgrim passes away in Mecca during Umrah

DUHOK – A pilgrim from Shekhan district, identified as Hajji Zainal, died Saturday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, while performing Umrah. The man, believed to be between 60 and 70 years old, reportedly experienced health complications before his death.

Abdullah Bandi, an official with the Department of Hajj and Umrah in Duhok, told 964media that the pilgrim’s death was reported by the travel company organizing his journey. “Hajji Zainal lost his life while performing his religious duties in Mecca,” Bandi said.

The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, as medical examination results are still pending. Following the completion of necessary procedures, the deceased will be buried in Mecca.

Bandi noted this is the first death of a Duhok pilgrim in Mecca this year. Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time, distinct from the mandatory Hajj, which has specific dates and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.