’Illegal’ Hajj (update)
‘Illegality’ is probably in the eye of the beholder here: AFP/France 24, Hajj on the cheap: off-the-books pilgrims hide out in Mecca, 5 Jun 2024. “Living on canned beans...
Moonsighting (again)
There is some controversy about moonsighting. This should not come as a shock. It comes around on the calendar every year. New Crescent Society said it hadn’t been spotted...
Hajj 1445 AH
I write about the hajj in its digital frameworks in Islamic Algorithms, and you can track back in this channel for previous stories and links (try the #hajj hashtag...
Tawaaf on a Scooter
It’s important that tawaaf is made as accessible as possible for all pilgrims, including those with mobility needs. This clip shows a remarkable result of the new scooter policy....
‘Proxy Pilgrimage’
Mera Aladam, Middle East Eye, Egypt arrests religious influencer who sponsored paid ‘proxy pilgrimage’, 6 Sep 2023. “Egyptian authorities arrested a social media influencer on Tuesday who has promoted an...
Fatwa Robot in Mecca
Arab News, Grand Mosque employs ‘guidance robot’ for fatwa inquiries, 11 August 2023. “A “guidance robot” has been developed to assist pilgrims and Umrah performers in understanding the rituals...