The Virtual Hajj Experience

[Vassnti]

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat – It is now possible for every Muslim to learn how to perform the Hajj or Umrah rituals correctly through the online virtual world of "Second Life" before physically embarking on this spiritual journey in real life. It is now possible for people to learn how to perform the Hajj rituals by virtually visiting Mecca, Medina, and the other holy sites that must be visited as part of Hajj after the "Islam Online" website recently introduced an educational hajj program on the virtual world of "Second Life." This project also aims to reduce the common errors made by many pilgrims.

Hisham Jaafar, Editor-in -Chief of the "Islam Online" website told Asharq Al-Awsat that "Hajj Island" on Second Life includes a complete three dimensional representation of The Grand Mosque in Mecca following its recent development and enlargement. "Hajj Island" also allows users to travel between the Safah and Marawah hills, as well as visit Mina where "the stoning of the devil" ritual is performed. In order to simulate the rituals as realistically as possible, the model also includes the newly-built Royal Mecca Clock Tower, which overlooks the Grand Mosque, and is the largest clock-tower in the world. There will also be a virtual train linking Mina and Mount Arafat, with this train set to operate this year for the first time.

"Hajj Island" was opened following an official launch by "Islam Online" last month. Over the past few weeks, according to Jaafar, it has provided Muslim and non-Muslim visitors with lectures and training courses on the pilgrimage. It also provides virtual guided tours around the places of worship linked to the Hajj; these tours are free of charge and available in both English and Arabic. The training courses offered by "Islam Online" allow for direct interaction between the lecturer and students, allowing those participating to reach an understanding about the Hajj and its rituals.

Massive crowds of Muslims filed along a giant ramp that houses the walls in the Mina valley, pelting them. Some 3 million people from around the world were attending the hajj pilgrimage this year, and the stoning ceremony in the past has seen deadly crushes and pileups, though the building of the four-story-tall ramp in recent years has eased access and prevented stampedes.

Instead, the biggest problem this year appeared to be traffic on roads, as the throngs of pilgrims moved between Mina, the nearby holy city of Mecca and other ritual sites. It appeared that a greater number than usual of "unofficial" pilgrims were performing the hajj this year — pilgrims who sneak in without going through tour groups as required by Saudi authorities and sleep along roadsides in tents during the four days of rituals.

I wonder how long the numbers can keep increasing one day maybe the only option for some people will be a virtual Hajj?

 

[Kompromat]

I wonder how long the numbers can keep increasing one day maybe the only option for some people will be a virtual Hajj?

That would never happen because for Hajj you physically have to be there and perform it yourself.

My dear it is a Hajj not an online shopping center where you book an order from a shelf and it would be delivered to you.

Hajj is the greatest Physical spiritual and sentimental experience for Hujaj ( pilgrims ) which cannot be substituted.

This virtual hajj experience can help people prepare for the actual experience which is great.

 

[Creder]

you think the one who created all these galaxies, the billions and billions of stars wont be able to provide enough space to the people who visit his home ?

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

I wonder how long the numbers can keep increasing one day maybe the only option for some people will be a virtual Hajj?

It is a very sensory experience, and a highly spiritual one. Even if Virtual Reality is employed for the first part, and it will be darn expensive, no technology can replicate the second.

One aspect of Hajj is that it itself is somewhat of a VIRTUAL TRAINING for the great walk and assembly we're going to experience later. Two levels of virtuality ain't going to cut it.

On the application that somebody has designed: it is a shame it wasn't done earlier, and it is a shame it wasn't done in Pakistan. <-purely talking from a technology POV, I have no opinion on whether it is a bid3at-innovation in the religion- or not.

Thanks for the share.

 

[The Clarifier]

The Saudi king is making a lot of progress on making hajj easier. Now they have installed Air Conditioning in every tent and you can do tawaaf on multi story.

I don't think it is possible that the hajj will be in virtual reality because that's not hajj. I don't know whether his heir will pay the same attention to increasing space in the mosque, but the Saudi king is doing something good once in a while

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

The Saudi king is making a lot of progress on making hajj easier. Now they have installed Air Conditioning in every tent and you can do tawaaf on multi story....

Why make easier something that is meant to be difficult so you're reminded of the tribulation that is to befall?

 

[The Clarifier]

Why make easier something that is meant to be difficult so you're reminded of the tribulation that is to befall?

I mean it is easier for more people to get accommodated. We have the technology so I don't see why we shouldn't use it.

By all means, if you want to do it the traditional way, you are welcome to do so. People have a choice to run or walk under the shade or in the sun.

They are building lots and lots of ramps and traffic flows very easily.

 

[Ganguly]

One of my Muslim colleague was telling as per Islam, if you are serving your aged father and mother it is not mandatory for you to visit the holy place. Is it mentioned in holy Koran itself?

 

[GentlemanObserver]

Can i just say that the way the Pakistani's Haji's were treated in this Haj was despicable. Shame on the Hajj Committee.

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

One of my Muslim colleague was telling as per Islam, if you are serving your aged father and mother it is not mandatory for you to visit the holy place. Is it mentioned in holy Koran itself?

The Qur'an doesn't mention things in detail usually, and here the case is similar "...who has the wherewithal must go"(can't quote the aayat number, could some more knowledgeable member please?). If it did, there's be no need to get explanations from the examples of the Last Messenger SAW.

Your colleagues are, we'll assume as we're told to assume good, right. If the parents are really old and infirm and dependent on you even for their bodily functions, then you should not leave them come whatever. If they're simply old, better take them with you if you have the finances. They'll do it on their wheelchair and you'd get a significantly higher reward to having done that.

wallaaho 3aalam.

 

[Salik]

I wonder how long the numbers can keep increasing one day maybe the only option for some people will be a virtual Hajj?

Saudi govt. is viewing to fix the number of pilgrims to be invited for Hajj... source Geo News


Most likely it will be done&#8230; an appropriate step

 

[TOPGUN]

Every muslim is commanded to visit and perfom hajj as per the Quran .

 

[Salik]

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if you fulfill conditions then Hajj is obligatory otherwise not... conditions are numerous including capacity...