Kuala lumpur: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has extended his condolences to the family of a Malaysian haj pilgrim who died in the Holy Land yesterday. In a Facebook post, he expressed sorrow over the passing of the 65-year-old pilgrim, who reportedly collapsed while on his way to perform Friday prayers at the courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram. 'This is a profound loss and difficult to put into words. I pray that the late pilgrim's soul be blessed, granted forgiveness, and placed among the faithful,' he said. He also prayed that the deceased's family be granted strength, patience and fortitude in facing this difficult time.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a Malaysian haj pilgrim from Pahang was reported to have died yesterday after collapsing while on his way to Friday prayers at the Masjid al-Haram. Malaysian Haj Delegation head Mohd Hisham Harun said the pilgrim was pronounced dead at 12.15 pm local time (5.15 pm Malaysian time) due to heart complications. He said all funeral arrangements were fully managed by Lembaga Tabung Haji, including bringing the body to the mosque for funeral prayers after Maghrib before burial at Al Sharayea Cemetery in Makkah.