Located in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam. It is home to the Grand Mosque, which houses the Kaaba, and attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world every year. However, for Zainab Abdu, who was raised in Mecca, these holy sites were not just places of worship, but also the backdrop for her weekends and childhood memories.
Abdu fondly remembers roller-skating with friends near the Grand Mosque, and enjoying picnics, horseback riding, and soccer games with her family and friends in the desert plains and valleys that are usually thronged with pilgrims. Despite the spiritual significance of Mecca, Abdu emphasizes that life in the city is not devoid of normalcy.
As a pharmacist, she asserts that the Grand Mosque is not just a place of worship, but also her home and a part of her identity. She highlights that the residents of Mecca lead lives similar to people in any other city, engaging in everyday activities that everyone else does.
Located in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is widely regarded as one of the most sacred cities in the Islamic faith. It holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, as it is home to the magnificent Grand Mosque, which proudly houses the Kaaba. Every year, this holy city attracts millions of devoted pilgrims from all corners of the globe, who come to seek spiritual solace and connect with their faith. However, for Zainab Abdu, a native of Mecca, these revered sites were not solely places of worship, but also the backdrop for her cherished childhood memories and weekend adventures.
Abdu nostalgically recalls the days of her youth, when she would gleefully roller-skate with her friends in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque. She fondly reminisces about the joyous picnics, exhilarating horseback rides, and spirited soccer matches that she and her loved ones would partake in amidst the desert plains and valleys, which are usually teeming with pilgrims.
Despite the profound spiritual significance of Mecca, Abdu is keen to emphasize that life in this city is not devoid of normalcy. As a respected pharmacist, she asserts that the Grand Mosque is not merely a place of worship, but also her abode and an integral part of her identity. She passionately underscores that the residents of Mecca lead lives akin to those in any other bustling metropolis, engaging in everyday activities that are commonplace for people everywhere.
Daily life in the city of Mecca unquestionably makes concessions to its sacredness. Despite the government’s decision to lift the nationwide ban on movie theaters in 2018, Mecca still lacks the presence of cinemas on its holy grounds. In order to indulge in the cinematic experience, residents of this revered city must journey approximately 70 kilometers (35 miles) to the coastal city of Jeddah. Similarly, wedding halls are deliberately tucked away from the sacred areas, reflecting a profound reverence for the sanctity of Mecca.
One resident, Abdu, aptly stated, “It is a holy city and that needs to be respected.” He further explained that while there may be music at birthdays and other joyous occasions, it is always kept at a subdued volume, out of respect for the sacredness of the surroundings. This exemplifies the harmony between the daily life of Mecca’s inhabitants and the spiritual significance of the city itself.
However, Mecca experiences a profound transformation once a year during the Hajj pilgrimage. During this time, the city’s population essentially doubles for up to a month, as pilgrims from all corners of the globe converge upon it.
The influx of these devoted individuals necessitates increased security measures throughout the streets of Mecca, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic as massive crowds stream in and out of the Grand Mosque. These pilgrims embark on the sacred journey to visit the holy sites, such as Mina, Muzdalifa, and Mount Arafat, situated in the nearby desert.
In essence, Mecca, with its unique blend of sacredness and daily life, stands as a true testament to the devotion and reverence its inhabitants and visitors hold for this exceptional city. The absence of cinemas, the careful placement of wedding halls, and the temporary transformation during the Hajj pilgrimage all reflect the profound respect and deference given to the sacredness of Mecca, making it a truly extraordinary place in the world.
For Abdu, living in Mecca means adjusting her daily routine to accommodate the influx of pilgrims during the Hajj season. Despite not residing near the Grand Mosque, she has to factor in extra time for traffic and avoid certain routes due to road closures.
Additionally, she prepares herself for long hours of overtime at work, as the number of pilgrims seeking medical assistance for common Hajj ailments such as colds, flu symptoms, upset stomachs, and muscular pains increases significantly. Abdu, who was born in Jeddah but has lived in Mecca since childhood, has witnessed the transformation of her city due to the massive investments made to control and organize the crowds.
Meccans used to have a more personal interaction with the pilgrims, with locals opening their homes to provide care for the sick. However, these close-knit relationships have been replaced by a sense of distance imposed by the authorities.
Fajr Abdullah Abdul-Halim, a Mecca native, reminisces about the days when her family home was near the Grand Mosque, allowing them to observe pilgrims circling the Kaaba from their rooftop. Families would gather around the mosque, as it was one of the few public spaces available.
Abdul-Halim fondly recalls going there with her parents and siblings for prayers, staying until the evening. However, the changing dynamics of the city, including her move to Jeddah after marriage and the passing of relatives in Mecca, have reduced her reasons for visiting. The neighborhoods surrounding the Grand Mosque have undergone a dramatic transformation, with the construction of monumental hotels, skyscrapers, highways, and other infrastructure over the past decade.
Both Abdul-Halim and Abdu reflect on the ease with which they used to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, requiring little to no advance planning.
However, those days are long gone, and now even locals must apply for a spot like everyone else, paying fees starting at $1,060 per person. The once intimate connection between Meccans and the Hajj pilgrims has been replaced by a more regulated and commercialized experience.
Living in the city holds a special pride that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere. Abdu, reflecting on her elementary school days, remembers being taught to set a good example for others due to Mecca’s esteemed status. She considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque every day, a privilege that many envy.
Despite feeling a sense of guilt for not going enough, Abdu remains grateful for the gift she has been bestowed. She likens the Hajj season to opening one’s home to guests, and when those guests depart, a feeling of sadness lingers.
As the official start of Hajj approaches, Jahid Rojin, a Bangladeshi taxi driver, finds himself caught in the congested streets surrounding the Grand Mosque complex. Having resided in Mecca for 16 years, Rojin is part of a significant South Asian community that has made the city their permanent home.
During the Hajj season, Rojin’s monthly rent for his taxi jumps from 1,000, a significant increase. Additionally, he had to vacate his apartment as his landlord sought to rent it out to pilgrims for extra income.
However, Rojin remains optimistic, knowing that once the pilgrims depart, he can return to his home and life in Mecca will resume its normal rhythm. In fact, he even finds an upside to the Hajj season, as he witnesses the city come alive with a vibrant energy that is unique to this time of year.
“The blessings and rizq (sustenance) you get from being in Mecca cannot be matched anywhere else in the world, anywhere else in Saudi Arabia,” he said with conviction, as he charged a desperate woman more than triple the regular journey fare to share his cab with two other passengers.
His words resonated with a sense of pride and gratitude that seemed to emanate from the very core of his being. As the woman hesitantly handed over the extra money, a mix of frustration and resignation colored her face. She was aware of the inflated price she was paying, but her desire to reach Mecca, the holiest of cities, superseded any financial concerns.
The driver, on the other hand, seemed to relish in the opportunity to assist those on their sacred pilgrimage. “I’m very lucky to live here. I know that,” he added, his voice filled with a deep sense of appreciation. And indeed, his sentiment was not unfounded.
Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the spiritual center of Islam, holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide.
Every year, millions of faithful from all corners of the globe embark on the sacred journey of Hajj, a pilgrimage that is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. The significance of this city, however, extends far beyond the annual influx of pilgrims. Mecca is a place where the spiritual and the physical merge, where devotion and worship intertwine with the bustling energy of everyday life.
The blessings and rizq that the driver spoke of are not limited to the spiritual realm alone. Mecca is a city that thrives on the generosity and hospitality of its inhabitants. From the moment pilgrims set foot in this holy land, they are greeted with open arms and warm smiles.
The locals, recognizing the immense honor bestowed upon their city, go out of their way to ensure that visitors feel welcome and cared for. Whether it is offering a helping hand, providing food and shelter, or simply offering a kind word, the people of Mecca embody the true essence of Islamic values.
But it is not just the people that make Mecca a place of unparalleled blessings. The city itself is a testament to the rich history and heritage of Islam. The majestic Kaaba, the focal point of the pilgrimage, stands as a symbol of unity and devotion. Its presence, surrounded by the grandeur of the Masjid al-Haram, evokes a sense of awe and reverence that is difficult to put into words. The air is thick with the palpable energy of spiritual fervor, as pilgrims from all walks of life come together in a shared pursuit of closeness to Allah.
The rizq that the driver referred to goes beyond material sustenance. It encompasses the spiritual nourishment that one gains from being in the presence of such holiness. The act of performing the rituals of Hajj, from the tawaf around the Kaaba to the stoning of the pillars, is a transformative experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the soul. It is a journey of self-discovery, of seeking forgiveness and redemption, and of drawing closer to Allah.
As the cab driver continued his journey, his passengers silently contemplated his words. The exorbitant fare they had paid suddenly seemed insignificant in the face of the blessings they were about to receive. They understood that Mecca was not just a destination; it was a spiritual sanctuary that held the power to change lives.
In that moment, they too felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be in this sacred place. And as they approached the city’s outskirts, the driver’s words echoed in their hearts, reminding them of the immeasurable blessings that awaited them in Mecca.