The start date of the Hajj season in winter and its climatic impact | Important details
Professor Abdullah Al-Musnad, former professor of climatology at Qassim University and vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, revealed important details regarding the climatic cycle of Hajj. He explained that the Hajj season will begin in winter in 1454 AH (2030 CE), and will continue in this cold season for approximately nine consecutive years. This analysis is based on a study of precise climatic and astronomical data spanning 54 years, which demonstrates a regular temporal pattern for the Hajj pilgrimage's entry into and exit from different seasons.
When does the Hajj season begin in winter?
Dr. Al-Musnad explained that the first actual entry of the Hajj season into the winter season will be in the year 1454 AH, with Eid al-Adha falling on March 11, 2033 CE. This marks the beginning of a new winter phase within the cyclical pattern of the four seasons. He added that the Hajj will remain within the winter season for several consecutive years before moving out of it after the year 1461 AH, corresponding to December 26, 2039 CE, and gradually shifting into the autumn season, in accordance with the established chronological progression of the Islamic calendar's regression relative to the Gregorian calendar.
The time cycle of the Islamic calendar and its relation to climate
The primary reason for the Hajj season's shifting between different seasons is the time difference between the Islamic (lunar) and Gregorian (solar) calendars. The Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar each year, causing the Islamic months to gradually shift across the four seasons. This divine astronomical phenomenon ensures that Muslims from around the world can perform the Hajj pilgrimage in diverse climatic conditions throughout their lives, from the scorching heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter. Al-Musnad indicated that the Hajj season will return to winter in 1487 AH (March 17, 2065 CE), confirming that this regular cycle takes approximately 33 Islamic years to complete and return to its starting point.
The positive impact of Hajj coinciding with winter weather
The timing of the Hajj pilgrimage with cooler weather has far-reaching positive effects at the local, regional, and international levels. From a health and physical perspective, the winter weather helps alleviate heat stress and reduces cases of heatstroke among pilgrims, making it easier for them to perform the rituals in Mecca and the holy sites with greater comfort and peace of mind, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions who come from countries with different climates. On a local organizational level, the fact that the Hajj has fallen within the winter season for eight to nine consecutive years provides a golden opportunity for government agencies and researchers in Saudi Arabia to enhance long-term planning.
This temporary climatic stability allows relevant authorities to develop infrastructure and improve the quality of services provided, such as equipping camps to withstand cold weather and providing appropriate healthcare to prevent colds. Ultimately, this rigorous scientific analysis underscores the importance of linking the Islamic calendar with climatic cycles, contributing to a deeper scientific understanding of the temporal changes that the fifth pillar of Islam has undergone over the decades, and ensuring the best possible spiritual and religious experience for pilgrims.
