BALTIMORE, MD – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., has expressed its deep sorrow over the deaths of Maryland residents Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie. The couple tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat while performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
This year’s Hajj witnessed significant hardship as temperatures soared at Islamic holy sites, leading to the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims, according to Saudi authorities. The Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel reported that 83% of those who died were unauthorized pilgrims who endured long walks in the heat to participate in the rituals in Mecca. He also noted that identification of the deceased was complicated by the lack of identification documents.
Kim Syuardi, the Maryland Outreach Coordinator for CAIR, stated, “To God we belong and to Him we return. We are heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie. Their dedication to their faith and their community was exemplary, and their loss is deeply felt by all who knew them.”
Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks also acknowledged the couple’s passing and their significant contributions to the community. In a statement, she reflected on the transformative impact of Haja Isatu Wurie’s involvement in community organizations. “Their loss is profound, and they will be deeply missed,” Alsobrooks said.
The community continues to offer thoughts and prayers to the family of Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie during this difficult time, praying for peace and paradise for the departed.