The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a rite of passage for Muslims worldwide, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a trip they must make at least once in their lifetime if able to. However, for thousands of Muslims this year, the Hajj became a death sentence. Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel announced on June 23 that 1,301 pilgrims had died while performing the Hajj, which lasted from June 14 to June 19. Al-Jalajel noted that 83 percent of the deceased had avoided seeking authorisation from Saudi authorities to undertake the Hajj. The cost of a government-recognised Haj…