A Maryland couple was among the over 1,300 people who perished due to extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Middle East.
U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie died while on their trip to Saudi Arabia.
Alsobrooks noted that the couple were both actively involved in their community, and a spokesperson confirmed that Haja Isatu Wurie had volunteered for Alsobrooks’ campaign.
“Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie passed away during a pilgrimage to Mecca due to the severe heat,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. “Haja Isatu Wurie was an incredibly active member of our community. She was involved in several community organizations, making transformational impacts that were felt both locally and globally. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families during this difficult time. Their loss is profound, and they will be deeply missed.”
The couple from Bowie is believed to have died of heat stroke in 110+ degree temperatures in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
“All we know is that it was natural causes and someone from the U.S. Embassy advised the natural causes could have been due to heat stroke, which based on the temperature, people were saying it was 110 degrees,” their daughter Saida Wurie told CNN. “There are millions of people and they have to walk long hours. It was more than likely it was heat stroke for both of my parents.”
All Muslims are obligated to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the physical and financial means to do so. Wealthier Muslims often undertake the pilgrimage multiple times.
According to the Quran, the holy book of Islam, the rituals primarily commemorate the stories of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, Ismail’s mother Hajar, and Prophet Muhammad.
