MINA, 1 January 2007 — Pilgrims have exchanged their ubiquitous sun-shielding umbrellas for blankets to keep them warm this year, and this has put a damper on the sales of parasols.
With nighttime temperatures at Makkah dipping as low as the lower teens Celsius (mid 50s F) and the days being a little on the cool side of comfortable, the desire for shade is not warranted.
Like at every Haj he’s worked, Ishaq Shareef, a Burmese resident of Makkah, invested in purchasing umbrellas to sell to hajis this year, but his sales have been as flat as the plains of Arafat.
Not only has it been cool, but also dry, contrary to forecasts and much-heralded flood contingency plans.
Of course, Haj isn’t over yet, and Shareef is still hoping for some rain. “Two years ago, it was dry — but then suddenly it rained on the fourth day and umbrellas topped the most-selling items that year. Trucks filled with umbrellas were rushed to Mina to cover the sudden demand.”
The salesman then gestured toward the partly cloudy skies above: “I hope history repeats itself.”
Umbrellas have also in modern times served as a good marketing tool for businesses geared toward Haj pilgrims. It’s common to see umbrellas emblazoned with logos of airlines and telecommunication companies. This year their advertising tools haven’t been as prominent on the pilgrims’ routes of the Haj.
The cooler temperature, coupled with the ihram — the simple white cloths that hajis wear that could hardly be considered sufficient for cold weather — has raised concern that there might be a spike in pneumonia or other types of respiratory illnesses associated with lower temperatures.
But according to Dr. Khaled Al-Sumari, director of medical affairs in the holy city and deputy director of Haj executives, there have only been minor reports. “Health-wise I can confidently say the pilgrims’ conditions are excellent,” said Al-Sumari.
Despite the cold weather, the doctor says there has been a bright side: There has not been one reported case of heatstroke.
