You may have noticed that I missed a daily posting as well as responding promptly to comments. My spouse and I decided to have a weekend in Mecca. This was my first time in Mecca since last Ramadan and I was quite surprised by the changes that have taken place – particularly in regards to the Haram (Grand Mosque). Blocks and blocks of downtown Mecca to include bringing down two major hotels (Sofitel & Sheraton) have been brought down in order to expand the Grand Mosque and allow it to easily accommodate more people. It is difficult to describe the massive undertaking that is going on. If any of you have been to Dubai you are familiar with seeing the large cranes dotting the skyline like a new national bird. It is not a sight one would readily associate with Mecca and particularly to see these large cranes surrounding the Grand Mosque itself. We took our trip near 0200 hours as most other times one can not get close to the Haram in a vehicle. Even at that late hour the Grand Mosque was busy and alive with thousands of individuals performing umrah. When speaking to residents of Mecca, most shared the view that the new facelift taking place in Mecca is one of King Abdullah’s greatest achievements.
Filed under: culture, islam, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel, Uncategorized
Welcome back Carol,
Yes, these projects in Mecca are massive. I was looking at the expansion plans last month. What I found out is the neighborhood, where I was born will totally disappear. The house I was born in was taken down as part of street expansion in the early 70′s and that spot will be part of the mosque complex once the expansion is complete.
Every time I go to Saudi I get amazed at the changes in Mecca.
Carol,
Have you embraced Islam? Do you not know that only Muslim can enter the holy land? I’m sorry but I am very curious.
I’ve got an award for you! Visit me and “pick it up”!
I must confess to a feeling of anxiety as I read about the changes being made to Mecca. I wish it to remain exactly as it was when I last saw it. Of course, that is wishful thinking, and selfish, but I can’t help it. I loved the juxtaposition of the old buildings and ancient streets next to the elaborate Grand Haram. It made me feel all the more that Islam was for all people in all times.
Insha’Allah I will be able to make umrah again someday in Mecca, and marvel at the achievements that are now in the making.
I was wondering- is a non muslim ever allowed to visit Mecca as a cultural exchange or on a tour? I am sure it would be such a wonderful place to see
Saudi in US – Yes; my husband was showing me how his original family home will now be almost next door to the extended Haram instead of several blocks away.
Anonymous – Welcome to my blog! To answer your question, if you read earlier entries you’ll find where I shared my thoughts and experience when performing Umrah on arrival to the Kingdom.
Marahm – I understand your views. Seeing the work in progress is disconcerting… who would expect to view the Haram face on and see cranes sticking up from behind but almost appearing like they are also inside the Grand Mosque? But at the same time, when it is completed there’s no doubt it will be magnificent and allow so many more pilgrims to come. After all, with Islam continuing to be the fastest growing religion in the world, it is not surprising to see the changes that take place with such growth in order to accomodate.
Mrs. Quigs – No, a non-muslim is not allowed to visit Mecca. The closest a non-Muslim will likely get to experience Mecca is visiting the King Abdulaziz museum in Riyadh which has a wing about Mecca, Islam and the Grand Mosque.
I’ve been hanging around on your blog for a while. It is very interesting to know about the world of Saudia Arabia and seeing your point of view on many topics. I’ve also noticed you sometime post about Islam. I’ve also found this entry about you performing your umrah, http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/making-umra/
But there is no information knowing whether have you embraced Islam? You have great respect for it and do not have misconception over many thing. Are you a muslim?
Anonymous,
To answer your question, yes, I am a muslim. For those who may not be aware, one cannot enter Mecca, the Haram or perform Umrah or Hajj without embracing Islam.
Regards
Carol
Carol,
Mubarak!
I’m sorry for hassling about it but I was very keen to know. How about posting a post about your embracement to Al-Islam. I’ve heard many amazing and interesting stories but It would be interesting to know yours. 
Anonymous
Anonymous,
Thank you!
Let me think about it….I find religion to be a private matter so I have to give it some thought.
Best Regards,
Carol
Carol,
Okay dokies, I respect your matter, how about posting about the Saudi Majlis Ash-Shura? By the way, it is Makkah not Mecca. That word is old and no longer used and possibly incorrect.
Peace be with you,
Anonymous
Thanks for the suggestion, Anon! I’ve made a note of it in my file as I would have to research that topic.
It is always interesting to hear people’s stories of how they came to Islam. However, it is appropriate that Carol may choose to keep that aspect of her life private. This blog aims to educate and entertain anyone who is interested in life in the Kingdom from the perspective of a Westerner who has the inside scoop, and as such, it is secular in the sense that it appeals to people of non-Muslim as as well as Muslim persuasion.
I’ve read many blogs that focus on being Muslim and living Islam. This blog has a more varied focus, and that’s why I like it.
As for Mecca vs. Makkah, a fatah over the meem makes the pronunciation closer to Makkah than Mecca. Arabic does not have the “e” sound we hear in “Mecca”, but non-Arabs have difficulty in pronouncing Arabic words, especially in English transliteration. I must remember to use Makkah instead of Mecca.
In the name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate,
Carol,
I can’t wait to read it!
And I have another suggestion too, if possible is to post about the Imams at Masjid Al-Haram, especially on His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Saud Al-Shuraim, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah al Humaid, His Eminence Sheikh Salih Al-Talib, His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Johany and His Eminence Sheikh Mahir Al-Muaiqely. There isn’t much info I can find about them on the internet and as well as their papers and publications. Because you are in Saudi Arabia, you have accesses to these resources which I do not have.
May Allah’s Peace and Blessing unto you,
Anonymous
Anonymous,
I do not know alot about the individual sheiks. Perhaps someone else who follows this blog and is here in Saudi may actually be in a better position to comment.
Unfortunately one has to be very careful in the Kingdom when posting about specific imams as those are the kind of topics that can get blogs shut down. )-:
Never fear! You can post about any of ‘em on my blog! (Anything I can do to assist – you know how I am!)
As Salaamu Alaikum Carol:
Well, Alhamdulillah! I am ashamed to say that I thought you were not a Muslim. Forgive me!
Anyhow, about the expansion being the King’s greatest achievement: didn’t the world have to shame him into doing SOMETHING? Wasn’t it him who was trying to keep the women from praying inside in order to make more room for the men?
Salam Alaikum Safiyyah,
I cannot comment on what you asked in your last paragraph. but while in Mecca after seeing the massive construction project, I asked some residents (about 15) what they thought of the construction and that was the overall response.
RE: Banning women from entering the holy mosque.
There are many conflicting reports over this matter. But none of them (to my knowledge) point at King Abdullah himself as the originator of the idea. What *is* known is that the idea was squished and swept under the rug as being “just a false rumor”. Personally, given the king’s track record on women’s issues I seriously doubt that it was his idea in any way or form.
Thanks for responding Saudi Jawa.
looks like i am in for a surprise next i visit mecca, i was there 3 years back, and it was changing even then, with what you say, i am sure i’ll find it totally different!
thank you for the update
Tango48 – You certainly will find it changed…and I certainly suggest clicking on the related link “New Plans for Masjid al Haram” which comes up when reading comments of this post. The link provides a sketch of what the New Haram will look like when completed.
Salaams Everyone:
Saudi Jawa, if what you say is true, I am wrong, guilty of accessing false information on the Internet, lol, and I am sorry.
I do remember that people were sending petitions, etc., to the King.
Allahu Alim.
Thanks for the input!
I was there recently too and unfortunately got a hotel through the package tour in the Shamia neighborhood which looked like Iraq to me, coz of all the buildings/hotels that were being pulled down between our hotel and the mosque. I wish they would close off all the hotels from that side, so people didnt have to walk through that rubble :S
Since I am new in Riyadh, i thought the package thing was a really cool idea, but i would like to advise ppl , dont even think abt it :S .. coz it’s terrible .. I dont mind if they charge u more, and give u better service, .. ok lemme jst end it here .. jst dont take tht chance ! i ended up changing my hotel n takin a flite back
Back to the facelift, well it is ever needed as we see in Hajj, it gets pretty crowded. Even the weekend that I was there, it was like full! mashaAllah!
I would like to hear ur opinion about the pulling down of the fort (built by Turks i hear) and the hill and replacing it with the new towers (besides Makkah Hilton). It was like a historical site .. cudnt tht ve been preserved?
I saw the changes that were made for Hajj at Mina (Jamarah) this year on TV. That was a real good effort and hopefully we dont have ppl dying in stampedes there now. Wasalam.
Ruman,
I’m not familiar enough with Makkah to recognize all the specific neighborhoods. I think what happened to you in regards to your package will likely be a common occurrence while this major construction is taking place. I do not know the numbers but would be curious to hear how many hotels in fact are being destroyed as part of the construction. I think we should be greatful that in spite of the massive construction, rubble and resulting dust, the Haram remains open.
I also do not know about the fort but happy to ask.
Yes, the Shamia district is unrecognizable now. I was there a few weeks ago for the first time in months. It indeed looked like a bomb went off there. The demolition works were so rapid, that many of the hotels there elected to sell their furniture and air conditioner units at bargain prices rather than move them.
As for the old Ottoman fort, I was very sad to learn that it was going to be demolished in favor of some sparkly and new (and soulless) tower. The Saudi govt has a bad record of maintaining historical sites, and the fort was unfortunately not a unique case.
Saudi Jawa,
While I am not familiar enough with the specific districts I can sure second your comment that it looked like a bomb went off! The undertaking and the masses of demolished buildings and area is incredible. I regret I did not have a camera with me at the time. I hope someone is documentating from start to finish.
Hi Delhi! Well, I’m finally in the states and ready to buy your book. Can you please tell me the name of it again? Support….from one fellow muslim to another….(I already knew of course! lol) : )
Hi A2S…It is “Bridges: An Anthology.” I’ll post the link for you.
Here ya go A2S: http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/american-bedu-has-been-published/
I bought it from Amazon. I plan to review it on my blog, but I promised Irving (Darvish) a review of his book first.
Thank you so very much Marahm!!!