This is the most technologically friendly pilgrimage, with apps and sleep pods part of a bid to modernise the centuries-old practice of Hajj. Ahmad Al Rubaye / AFP
This is the most technologically friendly pilgrimage, with apps and sleep pods part of a bid to modernise the centuries-old practice of Hajj. Ahmad Al Rubaye / AFP
This is the most technologically friendly pilgrimage, with apps and sleep pods part of a bid to modernise the centuries-old practice of Hajj. Ahmad Al Rubaye / AFP
This is the most technologically friendly pilgrimage, with apps and sleep pods part of a bid to modernise the centuries-old practice of Hajj. Ahmad Al Rubaye / AFP

Spiritual spectacle as millions embark on Hajj


  • English
  • Arabic

This week two million pilgrims from all over the world will be embarking on the once-in-a-lifetime rite of passage that is the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that define the spiritual existence of Muslims everywhere.

For those now fulfilling their obligation, ahead lie five days of spiritual contemplation and renewal steeped in historic ritual. The Hajj retraces the steps of the Prophet Mohammed, who performed his first and only pilgrimage in 632AD, leading a group of followers, who have been performing the same steps ever since.

For most taking part in this year’s Hajj, this will be the first time they have set eyes on the Kaaba or seen Makkah, towards which they have directed their daily prayers.

They will join Muslims from every corner of the world, representing every nation and culture, as they circumnambulate the Kaaba.

When they walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, the pilgrims remember the search for water by the prophet Ibrahim’s wife Hagar. And when they spend the night in quiet contemplation in Mina, hurl pebbles, symbolically pelting the devil, and gather on Mount Arafat to pray, they do so much as pilgrims did nearly 1,400 years ago.

While the Hajj is as physically and emotionally strenuous as it was then, this year will be the most technologically friendly pilgrimage, with numerous tools on hand to smooth the process, from phone apps guiding pilgrims through every step of the way to 4G antennas offering widespread phone connection and wi-fi coverage throughout Makkah.

The rituals, however, remain unchanged and through them, Muslims will reconnect with their spirituality. But in addition to its personal meaning, Hajj also has great universal significance.

The sheer spectacle of such a mass of humanity, from all walks of life, in the same simple attire representing the equality of all believers before God, is a powerful reminder that through commitment to a higher ideal, they might transcend earthly preoccupations and overcome seemingly intractable differences.

This is also a time of compassion for those less fortunate, embodied in the festival of Eid Al Adha which follows, during which an animal is sacrificed and shared with those in need.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, reminded his Twitter followers of this obligation yesterday, urging them "to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India", where hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced by the flooding in Kerala.

For the pilgrims following in the historic footsteps of their forebears today, Hajj is an opportunity to reconnect with their inner spirituality in the company of legions of fellow believers, past and present, from all backgrounds and nations.

As such, it is an occasion unique in human experience and an exercise in faith, hope and compassion that serves as an example to the world.

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

What is the Supreme Petroleum Council?

The Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council was established in 1988 and is the highest governing body in Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry. The council formulates, oversees and executes the emirate’s petroleum-related policies. It also approves the allocation of capital spending across state-owned Adnoc’s upstream, downstream and midstream operations and functions as the company’s board of directors. The SPC’s mandate is also required for auctioning oil and gas concessions in Abu Dhabi and for awarding blocks to international oil companies. The council is chaired by Sheikh Khalifa, the President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi while Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is the vice chairman.

The biog

Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.

It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.

They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5