The number of Egyptian pilgrims who have died during this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia has reached 41 cases, MENA agency quoted an official from Egypt's health ministry as saying on Friday afternoon. In media statements, the deputy health minister and head of Egypt's official medical delegation to the hajj Ali Hegazy said that all the deaths were from natural causes. He added that the clinics of the official delegation had treated 62,845 Egyptian pilgrims whereas 346 pilgrims were admitted to Saudi hospitals. Twenty-six Egyptian pilgrims are still being treated in Saudi hospitals. Over 80,000 Egyptian pilgrims are performing the hajj this year. One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj pilgrimage is considered an obligation by all Muslims who can afford the costly and difficult trip at least once in a lifetime.
