Magic and Islam
Muslims used stones for warding off the evil eye. A pile of unusual magical objects was uncovered in Israel and believed to be used by sorcerers helping pilgrims on their way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Medina
Mecca’s Hajj cancelled this year
With the occasional stampede, the last big one in 2015 killed more than 2000, you might just be saving your life from more than corona.
New Moroccan Handicraft Complex Replaces Polluting Fez Tanneries
While the rest of the world is beguiled by Walmarts and Targets, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has given a $39 million handicraft complex in Fez his royal seal of approval. Recognizing the value of authentic handmade crafts sought after by tourists in particular, not to mention the job opportunities that accompany such a vibrant cottage […]
SARS-like Mystery Virus Appears in Saudi Arabia, Alerting Haj Pilgrims
A new SARS-like mystery illness has health authorities alert ahead of the millions-strong Haj pilgrammage to Mecca. There have been two recent cases of a mysterious SARS-like virus linked to Saudi Arabia. It killed one of its victims from Saudi Arabia. The second who is still alive travelled through the country. The unknown mystery virus […]
The Weird Science of Pedestrian Behavior Might Help Hajj
Math helps us understand how people flow, and just maybe it could help Hajj pilgrims stay safe. A Californian jogs to the beach. Coming towards him on the sidewalk is a Texan. Unless one steps aside they’ll collide. Quick: which way does the jogger move? If this is in Europe or the USA, heavy odds he […]
Another Day in Tunisia: Chasing Balls Through Trash (PHOTOS)
A boy chases a ball into one of Tunisia’s 400 unofficial dumps. After the hustle and bustle of Tunisia’s capital medina dies down, the kids come out to play – in the trash! A large open area just a few blocks from the main tourist attraction, a space between two buildings has been converted into […]
A Forest of Umbrellas Keeps Medina Pilgrims Cool
Today’s pilgrims to Medina are way cooler than their predecessors thanks to sun shelters surrounding Islam’s second-holiest mosque. Al-Masjid al-Nabawī, the second mosque built by the Prophet Mohammed, is one of the world’s largest. But continual expansion over the centuries hasn’t kept pace with the increasing swell of Hajj pilgrims who congregate each year in its courtyards. […]
Hajj terminal for Mekkah is aviation’s green gem
Hajj Terminal, in Jedda, Saudi Arabia was built only for Mekkah by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, a Chicago-based architectural firm. It stands the test of time as a green gem.
Plans For Cleaner Zam Zam Distribution In Madinah
Saudi Arabia's Water and Electricity Minister reveals its SR700 million Zam Zam Water Project, a 42 outlet distribution plan to bottle the cleaner Zam Zam water in Madinah.
Could a Political Crisis in Saudi Arabia Spur a World Shift to Green Fuel?
Can commercial monstrosities like these in Mecca cause political upheaval in Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always had its share of enemies. This is especially true in these times, when both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Al Qaeda terrorist organization have both expressed great interest in replacing the monarchy there […]
Muslim World Takes Steps for Making the Hajj Green
Muslims recognize the Qu’ran has a lot to teach about ecology. A critical mass of Muslims are now working to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage greener. Green was, after all, Mohammad’s favorite color. Image via jonathangill Ask around in Egypt and the environment is usually not on the top of most people’s agenda, especially considering […]