Tag: Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh dies at 84

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation, the passing of its top cleric who memorized the Qu'ran at age 10 underscores the changing face of religious authority and perhaps tolerance in a kingdom increasingly defined by megaprojects, oil wealth, and the House of Saud’s push to rebrand itself for a post-oil world. 

Inside the Kaaba: Islam’s Hidden Heart

We've all heard about Mecca, but what does it look like inside the black cube that Muslim pilgrims walk around? We take a peek inside.

At least 20 Hajj pilgrims dead from shocking 125 degrees F Saudi heat wave (GRAPHIC)

They weren't prepared for 116F or 47C degree heat: about 20 people have died from Jordan and Iran and more are missing amid the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Officials to urge worshippers to avoid the blistering heat as climate change take its toll on the region. 

No kissing the kaaba at this year’s hajj

The year was 2014 and already Ebola was on everyone's minds. Mers and avian flu have scared off people from hajj, but covid-19 has closed Saudi's doors. This year a very modest, local hajj will take place.

Ebola and The Hajj to Mecca?

The Ebola virus, already said to be virtually out of control in west Africa, may also be threatening Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East.

Hajj selfie fever rocks the Kaabah in Mecca – but is humble bragging holy?

The annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj has officially begun. Just search #hajj or #hajj2014 and you’ll see...

How fast can Africa’s Ebola outbreak move to the Middle East?

As if the Middle East hasn't already had problems with serious infectous diseases, such as Mid East Respiritory Syndrome...

MERS Risk and Hajj – How to Prepare for a Healthy Pilgrammage

Public health officials in the Gulf states are playing down fears about an outbreak of the deadly MERS coronavirus...

Amazing Pavegen Tiles Harvest Energy From Footsteps

Paris marathon organizers plan on ripping off its runners!  Energy-harvesting tiles placed along an 80 foot section of the...

10 Green Prophets for 2012

The year in retrospect has been a positive one. Despite civil unrest, dangerous regimes, and appalling environmental crimes and...

Angry Cow Murders Its Gazan Slaughterer During Muslim Eid Festival

Amateur slaughterers are often injured on the job. Should slaughtering be left to the professionals? The annual Hajj pilgrimage, on...

A look at Islam’s Eid al-Adha 2012 Across the Middle East

This time of year marks one of Islam’s most sacred holidays, Eid al-Adha. The four-day holiday corresponds with the...