Umrah is referred to as lesser pilgrimage and this one has brought some good and not so good experiences I wish to share with you.
My Muslim friends will understand the situation better who already know about "Zamzam" (holy water). I first tasted and enjoyed this spring water of Makkah 1981. and have been familiar with a distinct taste as I tasted it from time to time since then. Over the last few years though the taste has changed. Either there has been some 'chemical reaction' or 'treatment' or there is 'dilution' given to "pure Zamzam". Rumor has it that the Saudi Government has added other water to it and a "Fatwa" obtained about how much percentage of Zamzam will be considered Zamzam. So I told my wife that if you are drinking two cups of this water that will sure make one definite Zamzam cup.
It feels to me the whole Islam has become "diluted" and not just this pilgrimage everything is now 'lesser".
So it is OK to accept it (My sarcasm does have some truth) today. I found the Haram Shreef that is still undergoing extension (why?, when will it be enough?) It is now surrounded by magnificent buildings mostly five or more star hotels and beautiful air conditioned shopping centers etc. those small shops are gone, may be moved to farther places. The whole town of Makkah-al-Mukarramah is undergoing renewal/reconstruction . Rules change with numbers of people visiting. At this time of the year Umra visa is opened and large numbers of Muslims in small and large groups from all over the Muslim world. Every Salat time, the women folks are driven out of the "mutaaf" or Sehan, they must be in the verandahs in the female sections only. Previously there was a part of Mutaaf just for women, may be they will open it up for them again when the numbers reduce for example I expect them less in numbers during summer.
On the one hand it is good to see better looking buildings, modern etc. and lesser filth but I miss the older less sophisticated streets of Makkah with simple living, small shops etc. The new shops are asking for high prices of the same stuff that was within easy reach of poor people before. I feel that there is too much commercialism visible now and Makkans/Saudi people (Government) are making lots of money and are likely to continue to do so as the people will visit more and more for the air travel is so easy now. The only thing still costing the same today as it did 30 years ago is haircut after completion of the Umrah. The other Barbers may cost more however. What made me uncomfortable however is one doughnut costing four Saudi Riyals (3.74 Riyals for a dollar). I do expect some rise in price over thirty years but not this much.
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