Do Locusts Still Exist Over Mecca?

A massive swarm of locusts and cockroaches has invaded Mecca, Saudi Arabia, prompting authorities to launch a cleaning operation to remove them. Between June 2019 and February 2022, a major outbreak of desert locusts began developing, threatening food supplies in East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent. The locust infestations began when Cyclone Mekunu in 2018 produced heavy r. locusts.

Makkah Tower’s clock was completely hidden from people’s view, and thousands of locusts landed on it. The Saudi Environment Department announced that it has controlled and eradicated a swarm of locusts in the holy city of Makkah. The problem has plagued the Kingdom in recent years, with locusts spreading in the Prophet’s Mosque and the Grand Mosque due to high lighting, temperature, and humidity. There has been no recent information about floods or locust infestations in Mecca since Jan 11, 2019.

The appearance of locusts and insects in Mecca has raised questions about whether the appearance of locusts and insects is a normal occurrence or an exceptional case. The Saudi Environment Department has issued a statement announcing that it has controlled and eradicated the infestation.

Which Insect Spoke In The Quran?

The 27th chapter of the Quran, Al-Naml (The Ant), consists of 93 verses and emphasizes the significance of various creatures, particularly insects. In verse eighteen, the ant is directly referenced, showcasing its importance. Additionally, the Quran mentions the mosquito in Surah Al-Baqarah (chapter 2, verse 26) as a metaphor illustrating Allah's guidance and knowledge. The text notes that the tiny creatures, including insects, serve to highlight the wisdom behind their creation and contributions to life. A total of 31 animals are mentioned in the Quran, including 14 specific ones such as the bee, spider, and ants, which often appear in a metaphorical context to impart lessons.

One remarkable story involves Prophet Sulaiman, who had the ability to understand animals. In a well-known anecdote, he heard the ants talking within their valley, prompting an ant to warn others to seek shelter. This highlights not only the communication within ant communities but also Sulaiman's gratitude for his unique ability. Ants communicate through low-pitched sounds and through scent-based chemicals rather than sound, raising discussions about perceived scientific discrepancies in the text.

The Quran also underscores the power and significance of small creatures like mosquitoes, lice, and flies, emphasizing their potential impact in large numbers. By noting a variety of insects and animals, the Quran underscores their roles in nature, further illustrating the marvel of creation.

Where Is The Swarm Of Locusts Now?

Locust swarming is most severe in East African countries such as Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, with significant infestations increasingly reported in Southwest Asia and the Middle East, according to the FAO's Desert Locust Watch. A research team from the University of Cambridge has developed predictive models to determine when and where these swarms will occur, aiming to mitigate the issue before it escalates. Recently, locust outbreaks have intensified due to heavy winds and rains, particularly in critical agricultural regions.

The implications of climate change could lead to a 25% increase in areas vulnerable to desert locusts over the coming decades, as erratic weather patterns promote favorable conditions for swarming. Notably, a swarm covering just one square kilometer can consume food equivalent to what 35, 000 people need in a single day. The current swarming phenomena extend across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, threatening food security for millions. In 2020, significant outbreaks were reported in multiple countries, including Ethiopia, Yemen, and India.

The largest locust infestation in 25 years struck South Africa's Eastern Cape in May 2022, impacting five million hectares of farmland. Despite control measures, new swarms continue to endanger the livelihoods of people throughout the Horn of Africa and Yemen. As warm temperatures create conducive environments for locust proliferation, the threat to global food supplies remains a pressing concern.

Did Desert Locusts Invade Makkah?

Swarms of desert locusts have invaded the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with millions of them landing on the Makkah Tower's clock, obscuring it from view. In response, the Saudi Environment Department promptly initiated a cleaning operation to eradicate the locusts. The recent infestation has significantly affected worshippers at the Grand Mosque, alarming authorities tasked with maintaining the site's sanctity. Reports suggest that not only locusts but also large numbers of cockroaches have emerged, prompting specialized sanitation efforts.

The locusts, primarily black grasshoppers, are said to have entered Makkah from nearby regions struggling with infested areas. In recent years, such locust invasions have been a recurring issue for the Kingdom. To combat the problem, the Ministry of Environment has set up 76 locust control teams and 18 survey teams to execute both ground and aerial operations from Makkah to Jizan along the coastline.

This infestation has occurred amidst a climatic shift characterized by increased rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Africa, leading to optimal conditions for locust proliferation. Experts believe the current outbreak is entering its third phase, having witnessed a surge in swarms not seen in two decades, due to a change in environmental conditions.

Why Did Saudi Authorities Remove Locusts From Mecca?

Authorities have dispatched cleaning crews to address a massive locust infestation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, aimed at ensuring the "safety and comfort of guests of God's house." The Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam, faced a surge of locusts, prompting a cleanup initiative. Local authorities stated that they have managed to control and eradicate the swarm affecting the holy city. Concerns surrounding locust infestations are prevalent, as these insects can devastate agricultural areas by destroying crops.

Previous reports indicated that last year saw large swarms invade Mecca, rendering the sanctuary inaccessible momentarily while authorities took action. The situation has been complicated by ongoing locust outbreaks threatening food security in various regions, including parts of Africa. An official, Rabia, remarked on the locusts as a warning from Allah, suggesting that their arrival should invoke a sense of reverence among people. Effective pesticide treatments have been noted as crucial in safeguarding harvests from such infestations.

Is The Locust Plague Still Happening?

The desert locust outbreak in Ethiopia has worsened despite ongoing ground and aerial control efforts, with swarms of immature and mature locusts damaging crops in the regions of Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Somali. Since late 2019, massive swarms of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria have ravaged agricultural fields across East Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia, marking the worst locust crisis in over 70 years. The urgency of locust control is paramount for food security, as these migratory pests pose significant threats to smallholder farmers.

In adjacent regions, farmers in Uganda have also faced crop destruction due to locusts. Recent research indicates that as global temperatures rise, locust swarms may expand into new areas in South and West Central Asia, exacerbated by erratic weather patterns linked to climate change. Currently, swarms of biblical proportions are devastating landscapes, with their destructive impact chronicled in ancient texts. Swarm size dictates devastating consequences; a swarm can consume food sufficient for 35, 000 people in a single day.

Though a surge was officially declared over by February 2022, projections warn that locust populations will continue to spread from Eastern to Western Africa. Persistent and erratic weather patterns lead to prolonged rains, facilitating locust reproduction. The current locust crisis, exacerbated by rising temperatures and a legacy of El Niño, may threaten up to 25 percent more areas worldwide, prompting substantial control measures that employ harmful pesticides.

Are Locusts A Problem In Makkah?

A massive swarm of locusts recently descended upon the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, causing significant disruption at Islam’s holiest sites, including the Grand Mosque. According to Saudi media, the locusts entered Makkah from the north, sweeping through the city center before being contained and eradicated in the east. These locust attacks pose a severe threat to the agricultural sector by destroying crops and have increasingly become a municipal challenge for Makkah in recent years.

Earlier this week, the infestation prompted authorities to launch extensive cleaning operations to remove the pests and ensure the safety and comfort of worshippers. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos depicting the swarms of black grasshoppers around the Grand Mosque, highlighting the scale of the problem. Additionally, millions of locusts landed on prominent landmarks such as the Makkah Tower’s clock, obscuring it from view and alarming both residents and visitors.

The locusts likely arrived from neighboring countries grappling with similar infestations, exacerbated by favorable weather conditions. Increased rainfall in the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Africa has led to abundant vegetation growth, providing ideal breeding grounds for locust populations. The National Center for the Prevention of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, along with the General Administration for Desert Locust Control, issued warnings about the natural causes behind the surge in locust numbers.

Despite efforts to manage the situation, the spread of locusts across the Kingdom remains a concern. Authorities emphasized that while locusts do not transmit diseases, residents should avoid eating or selling the insects. The ongoing efforts aim to prevent future outbreaks and mitigate the impact on both the religious significance of Makkah and the broader agricultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.

What Does The Quran Say About Locusts?

In Quran 54:7, Allah compares the resurrection of humans emerging from their graves to the mass emergence of locusts. This analogy highlights the power and suddenness of resurrection, akin to how locusts swarm after hatching. The text emphasizes the communal aspect of this emergence: when locusts hatch, they gather in large numbers, a reflection of humanity rising en masse on the Day of Judgment.

The Quran illustrates this point further in Surah Al-A'raf (7:133), where God sent various plagues as signs to the arrogant people of Pharaoh, including locusts, lice, frogs, and blood. These incidents are portrayed as distinct signs of divine power, but they were met with disdain from those who witnessed them. The imagery of downcast eyes signifies humility among the resurrected, drawing a parallel with swarming locusts that emerge in a similar manner.

Locusts hold a nuanced place in Islam; while they are explicitly permitted for consumption in the Quran, not all locusts are halal. For instance, those that die in water or on land are deemed impermissible. The Hadith of Imam Musa Ibn Jafar reinforces this understanding.

In referencing locusts, the Quran communicates much more than mere dietary laws; it illustrates profound spiritual truths and divine signs. The mention of locusts also serves as a reminder of their historical role in the tales of the prophets, particularly in their usage as a tool of destruction against oppressive rulers like Pharaoh. Despite their potentially destructive nature, locusts are also signified as a source of sustenance in the Islamic tradition, emphasizing their duality in creation.

Overall, the text reflects on themes of resurrection, divine signs, humility, and sustenance, showing how Allah employs locusts as a metaphor for human resurrection and as a tangible example of the signs He sent to guide and warn humanity. The resurrection is depicted as a powerful event, full of life and urgency, similar to the chaotic yet organized emergence of locusts.

How Many Locusts Were In Mecca?

In Mecca, a significant locust invasion has prompted social media discussions regarding possible religious implications. Experts have determined that about 30, 000 locusts, specifically identified as migratory "black grasshoppers," have infested the city, with potential larger swarms reaching hundreds of thousands. In response, 22 teams comprising 138 personnel have been deployed to manage the infestation.

This incident marks a broader locust crisis affecting 23 countries, primarily concentrated in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, with the locusts also ravaging crops in Pakistan and causing damage in war-torn Yemen.

Environmental factors such as high temperature and humidity in the Grand Mosque are believed to attract these swarms, as they were recorded to have arrived during Ramadan rains in January 2019. These repeated occurrences have raised questions regarding whether such infestations are typical or extraordinary. Social media footage highlighted the extent of the swarms covering the Mosque, leading to increased concerns among the worshippers. While some refer to the insects as "night cockroaches," they are predominantly desert locusts (Schistocera).

The situation, persistent since the summer of 2019, has initiated discussions among residents about locust appearances in this sacred city. As authorities work to eradicate the infestation, the unusual sighting of locusts at Islam's holiest site continues to attract significant attention and speculation online.

Are There Locusts In Saudi Arabia?

In the Western Region, locust populations are declining, with only a few adult locusts expected to remain in northwest and north Mauritania and southern Western Sahara. Throughout September, the Desert Locust situation remained largely calm, despite summer breeding activities in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mauritania, and Chad. However, locusts have recently attacked several cities in Saudi Arabia, including the holy city of Mecca, prompting air strike operations by the Saudi Environment Department to eradicate them. These locusts likely migrated from neighboring countries, as evidenced by social media footage showing them covering the skies, highways, and expansive fields.

The most severe outbreak is occurring in Yemen, where dense swarms of adult locusts have gathered in typically arid, remote areas. Additionally, juvenile hoppers have been observed near the Saudi border and within Saudi Arabia's interior. In early 2019, locusts began infiltrating Saudi Arabia, leading to extensive control efforts by authorities. Despite these measures, a small outbreak emerged on the Red Sea coast in March, intensifying in April with new immature adult groups forming.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has reported limited control operations in northern Saudi Arabia against a few mature adults, noting a general decline in Desert Locust populations. However, there is concern about massive swarms of red locusts from East Africa potentially invading the southwestern regions. Desert Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) remain a significant threat to agriculture and livelihoods in Saudi Arabia, heavily impacting cultivated crops and rangelands.

Globally, in 2020, locust swarms affected numerous countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea, India, and Pakistan. FAO's Locust Watch portal continues to provide essential forecasts and early warnings to manage and mitigate the Desert Locust threat effectively.