Comments on: Saudi’s Mecca is Becoming a Holy Sprawl

By: Sadia

Sadia — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:50 +0000

The Hajj is a spiritual journey without parallel in any other religion in the world and with the number of pilgrims rising each year, expansion becomes necessary. I don’t think anyone who has actually experienced the Hajj or gone on Umrah could say that there is no spiritual connection upon arrival. It strengthens one’s connection and love for Allah and when the Imaam gives the call to prayer and everyone stands shoulder to shoulder united, I cannot think anyone is worried about the modern day architecture that the Saudi government has decided to install into the new expansion.

Personally I don’t feel someone who hasn’t experienced being at the Hajj can comment on the spirituality a person fells at being at such an amazing location.

By: Tafline Laylin

Tafline Laylin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:23:10 +0000

Afzal, I’m really glad that your pilgrimage was not negatively impacted from the development. Development certainly is a catch 22, isn’t it?

By: Afzal

Afzal — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:47:47 +0000

Having just returned from Umrah I have seen the mass redevelopment at work but none of this distracted us from our pilgramage. When you are standing face to face with the Kaaba the connection is between you and your Lord and nothing comes between that. With increasing number of pilgrims the Saudi govt has no choice but to expand. Limiting numbers of visitors is not an option as they don’t have the right to stop people visiting Gods House during umrah season.

By: haja

haja — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:39:22 +0000

i think your point about overdevelopment is a good one but the point about spirituality and hajj is wrong.

first, because hajj is not undertaken in order to experience epiphanies. it is an obligation, an acknowledgement of one’s slavehood. we are simply answering the call of the Lord.

second, because noise and distraction, just like silence and contemplation and everything else in creation, comes from Allah. the real epiphany is to see Allah in all of His creation, including the noises and distractions.