JEDDA: Muslims throughout the world will have this year’s account of the pilgrimage to Mecca, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], brought to their homes by radio for the first time in history. When this most important event … is broadcast, millions of poor Muslims who will never be able to come to Mecca and thus fulfil the desire of all the Faithful, will have Mecca brought to them. Those who have already taken part in the Haj … will be able to live again the scenes of their visit.

… In olden times pilgrims travelled to Mecca on foot, on jolting camels and in ships driven by the wind. Nowadays, pilgrims … travel to Prophet Muhammad’s birthplace in fast ships, trains and motor cars, and in some cases by aeroplane. But there are still those who go on foot. Radio is the latest addition to modern aids to the pilgrimage. … King Abdel Aziz Ibn Saud will open the pilgrimage, and the broadcasts … will include the main religious ceremony from the Masjid-i-Nabvi or Prophet’s Mosque and pilgrims’ processions to the nearby Jebel-el-Rahm (Hill of Mercy) and the Jebel-el-Muna (Hill of Holy Desire).

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2024