The Modern Hajj

by Cody Saleh and Amanda Sass

Meaning to “set out for a place,” the hajj is one of the largest annual human gatherings on the planet. Each year, between two and three million Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for this purpose. As one of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj is a religious pilgrimage and an obligation that must be observed by every healthy and financially able Muslim at least once.  

For some, it is a strenuous physical ordeal in sweltering heat, while others enjoy the ease of air travel and luxury hotels. Regardless of one's accommodations, the Hajj serves as an immensely spiritual journey. It is often deemed to be the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity, founded in a rich history and tradition. Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim readers!  

Meta at Mecca

(Photo:  junaidrao/Flickr)

The Mecca Clock Royal Tower

The Abraj al Bait, the largest clocktower in the world, is part of the KSA's efforts to modernize the holy city for pilgrims. 

The Fairmont Hotel, Mecca

A familiar luxury hotel chain claims a prime location next to the Masjid al Haram (the mosque housing the Kabba, Islam's most sacred site) and the Mecca Clock Royal Tower.

(Photo: Miriam_ybs/Instagram)

The Kabbah

Muslims all over the world pray in the direction of the Kabbah. (Photo: Bilal301/Instagram)

A fitting message

(Photo:  mkhidar/Instagram)

Pro tip: arrive early

 "If you want to make it to any of the 5 daily prayers in the haram close to the kaaba. You have to make your way there at least an hour before. Otherwise you'll have to pray your jama3a outside. This is the view of those praying outside from a window inside the haram." (Comments + Photo: Nasserkat/Instagram)

Respite from the heat

 (Photo: Nasserkat/Instagram)

Tent City

"The tents at Arafah, Mecca. At 11 am I'm guessing it's 38 degrees. The heat is superb." 

 (Comments + Photo: Nasserkat/Instagram)

One in two million

Roughly 2 million of the devout will make the pilgrimage in the next few days. It would've been more, if not for construction and fears over the Coranovirus going around.  (Photo: Nasserkat/Instagtram)

Haze of prayer

"The courtyard of the prophet's mosque. The haziness is due to the massive fans pumping water breeze onto the worshipers to cool them down."
 (Photo: Nasserkat/Instagram)

Eid Preparation with Henna

(Photo:  lailabangwar/Instagram)