Skip to main content

Not your grandparent's Grand Mosque


Hajj needs to be accessible to all Muslims, which does require upgraded infrastructure.  The Saudi Government has implemented many changes to the Grand Mosque and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

It is a difficult balance to increase hotel rooms and restrooms while at the same time preserving the area.   There should be a safe place for everyone while at the same time there should be a way to preserve and honour the rich tradition and history of the past.

Here are a few articles to help prepare your expectations upon arriving at the Grand Mosque.

  • https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/opinion/the-destruction-of-mecca.html
  • https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/oct/23/mecca-architecture-hajj1
  • https://www.citylab.com/equity/2016/09/has-mecca-become-a-disneyland-for-the-rich/499766/


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arafat is Hajj

Arafat is the key day for your prayers. It can feel like an exam, but if you prepare and invest in preparing your and your family's dua list you will be ready. If your tour group has a campsite you will most likely remain in the camp for the entire day.  Very good if you have trouble walking or trouble being in the sun all day.  The sermon is available to listen to, bring a bluetooth speaker to play for your other friends or listen on your headphones https://arafatsermon.info/ If you don't have time to listen to it, it is recorded and you can listen after your Hajj to revisit your experience.
2 comments
Read more

Tips for Young People in your life : During the Journey

If you have young people in your life who were helping you prepare for Hajj, you should keep them  updated. Simple text messages summarizing your day or sharing a highlight Keeping a diary of your journey which you can share on your return Sharing photographs is probably something your young person would like to see.  Take photos appropriately and share with the intent of educating.  Much of Hajj is already on the internet in photos and YouTube videos. If you don't have your own to share you can share others.  No need to share with the world, just with your young people.
1 comment
Read more

What should the duration of my trip be?

This is a difficult question based on many individual factors such as: Time the person have, if you only have 2 weeks vacation this will limit your options Your savings goals Hajj can be a physically difficult trip and being younger and more fit makes the journey easier.  Umrah trips are much much less expensive compared to Hajj. The Saudi's are trying to make Umrah easier which will keep prices low for the near future.  If time is your issue (for example a parent needs to return to their family quickly) search for a short duration package.  You can return in the future to perform Umrah.  The longer Hajj trips allow people to pray more at the Prophet's mosque in Madina or the Grand Mosque in Makkah.  It  allows one to explore the other historical sites in these regions.  And finally it allows one to perform additional Umrahs.  These are not part of Hajj.   These are the benefits of longer trips. If you have limited time, here ...
1 comment
Read more