Mecca: Despite the deep pain of losing her husband, Sarifah Hasan, 57, has found the strength to accept the passing of Abdullah Mat, 59, one of the Malaysian pilgrims who died during the tawaf ritual early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarifah received a call from the hospital after Subuh, which is when she learned of her husband’s passing. She expressed her initial shock and distress, explaining that she broke down in tears and hugged her roommates. At that moment, she was unaware of which hospital her husband was in, only that he was in the emergency zone.

Sarifah admitted that she relied heavily on her late husband for daily matters but has made an effort to remain strong after hearing the devastating news. Her children provided comfort, urging her to be strong and reminding her that Abdullah was chosen by Allah to be in a better place.

Meanwhile, Ashri Mohamed, 52, Abdullah’s roommate, recounted the moments leading up to Abdullah’s collapse during their fifth lap of the tawaf at around 2.30 am. Ashri observed Abdullah moving slowly and appearing weaker. He managed to support Abdullah before he collapsed. Ashri noted that Abdullah collapsed near the green light, the starting line for tawaf, and received immediate assistance from a man who identified himself as a doctor from India. Medical help arrived approximately 10 minutes later.

Abdullah was pronounced dead from a heart attack at about 4.15 am at Jiwar Hospital, Jabal Qamar, shortly before the Subuh call to prayer.