In a distressing incident reported by Khaleej Times on Wednesday, a man attempted to end his life at Makkah’s revered Grand Mosque by leaping from the upper floors. The identity of the individual was not disclosed in the publication’s report. Following the harrowing event, the man was promptly transported to a nearby hospital where he received urgent medical attention.
In response to the incident, the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attempted suicide. The authorities, however, refrained from divulging further details regarding the incident at this time.
Tragically, this incident occurred amidst the backdrop of millions of Muslims congregating in Makkah and Madinah during the sacred month of Ramadan to partake in the Umrah pilgrimage.
This incident is not isolated, as previous years have seen similar occurrences within the precincts of the Grand Mosque. In 2017, a Saudi national attempted self-immolation in front of the Kaaba, but was fortunately intercepted by security personnel. Subsequently, in 2018, the Grand Mosque witnessed three separate suicide-related incidents. In one instance, a Frenchman tragically ended his life by jumping from the mosque’s roof in early June, followed by a Bangladeshi individual who met a similar fate more than a week later. Later that year, an Arab man also succumbed to suicide by leaping from the Grand Mosque’s heights.
These events underscore the challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding such significant religious sites, while also highlighting the complexities surrounding mental health and wellbeing within society.
