Hajj through the eyes of a Saudi veteran of the pilgrimage

During Murshid’s most recent Hajj, he was stuck between Mount Arafat (above) and Mina, and had to ask a stranger for a lift back to Mina, as he could not make the journey on foot. For him, this is the spirit of Hajj. (Supplied)
Updated 09 August 2019
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Hajj through the eyes of a Saudi veteran of the pilgrimage

  • Zakaria Murshid, 86, has served as a voluntary paramedic, Hajj mutawwif and guide
  • He lauds efforts to make the pilgrimage easier but is also nostalgic about the old struggles

RIYADH: As a child of Makkah and a regular visitor to the Kaaba since before he was 10 years old, no one knows the grounds of the Grand Mosque better than Zakaria Murshid. He told Arab News he has performed Hajj “maybe 40 times,” but probably more.

Growing up in the city, Murshid volunteered with various organizations over the course of many Hajj pilgrimages.

He has been a volunteer paramedic, a mutawwif (someone who leads pilgrims in the traditional rites and prayers of Hajj and Umrah) and a guide. But 86-year-old Murshid is special in one more very personal way for me: He is my grandfather.

When I was growing up, he would regale me with his tales of Hajj. I recall playing with one of his old books that would pop up to become a mini replica of the Kaaba, which my siblings and I would circumambulate while repeating the prayers he taught us.

He would tell us stories of incidents you could only really experience in Makkah: Two pilgrims who speak different languages having an entire conversation without any words, or seeing pilgrims from all over the world come together to help, support and protect each other.

It is the most noble thing a human can do, he told me, and I grew to believe it as the years went by.

Murshid was keen to perform Hajj yearly, and made sure each of his children went on their first pilgrimage as soon as they were old enough. Even when he moved to Riyadh in the 1960s, he took his family to Hajj almost every year.

Over the years, Murshid’s ability to perform the pilgrimage yearly has dwindled for a number of reasons.


FAST FACTS

• Hajj takes about 3-5 days and occurs on the 8-12th of Dhu Al-Hijjah month of the Islamic calendar.

• Pilgrims stay at Mount Arafat, then move to Muzdalifah and Mina, where they perform the stoning ritual at the Jamarat.

• Almost 2.4 million pilgrims performed Hajj in 2018.

• Hajj is the fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam.

• For every Muslim, performing Hajj at least once in their lifetime is obligatory if they are physically fit and financially able.

• Male pilgrims are required to dress in two white sheets. Women can wear normal modest and clean clothes.


 

Aside from factors such as age-related health problems, he said it has become much harder for people to perform Hajj on the spur of the moment.

“It used to be that you could just drive to Makkah and perform Hajj on your own. The regulations have gotten much stricter as of late,” he said.

Nowadays you cannot perform Hajj without a permit, and unregistered pilgrims face hefty fines and risk deportation or jail.

Also, the Saudi government will not issue Hajj visas to individuals who have performed the pilgrimage in the last five years.

But Murshid does think there are benefits to this. “Restricting the number of pilgrims each year gives more people a chance to come for the first time,” he said.

“I consider myself lucky to have been able to perform Hajj so many times. That was a long time ago, however. Things are different now, and maybe for the better,” he added.

“We used to just drive up to Mina, pitch our tents and go along with the crowd. When I was a young bachelor, I’d travel in the back of an ambulance with the Red Crescent or go along with the mutawwifeen,” Murshid said.

“When I married, my wife, children and I would go with family. We’d get our trusty pickup truck, pile the tents and equipment in the back, and drive from Riyadh to Makkah.

“We’d perform the rites often unaided, and things were definitely harder back then. Transportation, for example. If you didn’t have a car, you had to walk everywhere.”




Zakaria Murshid, now aged 86, has worked as a volunteer paramedic, a guide and a mutawwif (someone who leads pilgrims in the traditional rites and prayers of Hajj and Umrah). (Supplied photos)

During his most recent Hajj, he was stuck between Arafat and Mina and had to ask a stranger with an all-terrain vehicle to take him back to Mina as he could not make the journey on foot due to his age.

“That, for me, is the spirit of Hajj — that kindness and willingness to go out of one’s way for a stranger,” Murshid said.

He applauded the government’s efforts to make the pilgrimage easier, with new introductions such as the train system, the organized efforts of licensed Hajj campaigns, and the renovations of the mosque grounds and other facilities.

But Murshid is also nostalgic about the old struggles of Hajj. In his view, people are missing the point of the experience when they seek ultra-luxurious facilities and lodgings.

“The point of the exercise is to struggle, to mingle with everyone out there until everyone is the same,” he said.

“No one should be above anyone. We need to work harder to unify the experience for everyone.”

My grandfather has performed Hajj more times than anyone I know, but he said he would do it again in a heartbeat if he could.

“Hajj is like nothing else in the world,” he said. “The closeness you feel to Allah, the knowledge that all of your efforts and exertions are pleasing Him, and knowing that at the end of the ordeal all your sins will be cleansed and you’ll be as you were the day you were born — those are my favorite things about Hajj.”

Murshid offered advice to the all-female Arab News team performing the pilgrimage this year. “Stick together, take care of each other but, above all, immerse yourselves in the experience,” he said.

“Hajj is the most beautiful thing you’ll ever take part in. And know that you’re making us all proud.” 


Riyadh to host 34th Saudi Build Exhibition

Updated 32 sec ago
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Riyadh to host 34th Saudi Build Exhibition

  • The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex

RIYADH: The 34th edition of the Saudi Build Exhibition — the region’s largest construction exhibition — will be held from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Up to 600 organizations from 31 countries and 22,000 professionals are expected to attend the event, which is being held under the patronage of the Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail.

The exhibition will be staged alongside the 25th edition of the power and water exhibition Saudi Elenex. It will focus on efforts to transform the construction sector through sustainability and smart technologies.

The Saudi Build Exhibition will cover topics including sustainability, advanced building technologies, and innovation. The event is managed by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company.


Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea

Updated 02 November 2024
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Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea

  • Discovery of site marks significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts

RIYADH: The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters.

Located on the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea, the discovery of the site marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s environmental conservation efforts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Khaled Asfahani, the organization’s CEO, said that the Four Sisters Islands had been designated as a protected area for sea turtle species management.

“These islands are essential habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, including the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these sites is vital for the survival of these species, given that they return to these same nesting grounds each year,” he said.

The Four Sisters Islands — Marmar, Daharb, Malatu and Jadeer — have been identified as critical nesting areas with more than 2,500 recorded turtle nests. The islands are a crucial breeding ground for endangered species in the region.

Asfahani said that conserving the habitats is a strategic priority, as their survival supports the broader Red Sea ecosystem, essential for maintaining biodiversity.

The organization is developing a management plan to protect more than 180 identified beach nesting sites along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.

Its environmental teams are also working to enhance sustainable tourism and eco-friendly entertainment opportunities around the ecosystems, Asfahani said.

Sea turtles are a vital component of the Red Sea ecosystem and contribute to the area’s biological and environmental balance.


Jeddah Motor Show attracts 300,000 visitors

Updated 02 November 2024
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Jeddah Motor Show attracts 300,000 visitors

  • The event highlighted a range of the latest vehicles and innovations

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Motor Show concluded on Saturday evening, having welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors and more than 250 journalists from around the world over its five-day run from Oct. 29 at Superdome Jeddah, according to the organizers.

The event highlighted a range of the latest vehicles and innovations, from cutting-edge electric vehicles to sports cars, passenger cars, motorcycles and intelligent driving systems. It also included the show’s first global premiere — the Kia Tasman — alongside the first appearances in the Kingdom of new models and advanced technologies from global brands including Peugeot, MG, Geely, Haval, Toyota, and Lexus.

The show appeared to have attracted many visitors considering purchasing new cars. One of them, Abdulaziz Al-Khalf, told Arab News that he had been waiting a long time for the show so he could select a new car for his family.

“Instead of moving around from one agent to another, I just waited to see all types of cars under one roof,” he said. “I made my decision and am looking forward to getting my contract signed at the agency’s showroom next week.”

The show also provided a glimpse of the future with concept cars. A visitor from Taif, Ahmed Al-Najjar, said: “It was a great opportunity for me to explore the latest advancements in automotive technologies, because for me it is what interests me most, since I specialize in innovation. I was really impressed to see the latest electric cars.”

Majed Al-Shikhi, a well-known car expert, described the Jeddah motor show as a testament to the evolving nature of the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia, from the rise of electric vehicles to brands’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. “The event provided valuable insights into the future of mobility,” Al-Shikhi said.

Beyond the cars, the show also offered entertainment and interactive experiences designed for all ages.


First public Day of the Dead celebration held by Mexican Embassy

Updated 02 November 2024
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First public Day of the Dead celebration held by Mexican Embassy

RIYADH: In a historic evening, the Embassy of Mexico in Riyadh publicly hosted the Day of the Dead celebration for the first time in Saudi Arabia, opening the doors for everyone to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.

“We are thrilled, we are very happy. This is the first time that we are celebrating this cultural tradition open to the public — most of the time we used to do some small gatherings inside the Embassy, but for the first time we are doing it open to the public,” Mexico’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Anibal Gomez Toledo, told Arab News.

“Since Saudi Arabia and its Vision 2030 is embracing the world’s cultural expressions, I think this is an opportunity to get together, to invite our Saudi friends, to invite the international community, and to get together all of us in this important cultural activity for Mexicans and Mexican supporters,” the ambassador explained.

The embassy’s celebration for Dia de Muertos, known as the Day of the Dead in English, was held at the UN World Tourism Organization in Riyadh on Friday and welcomed ambassadors from other countries, locals and Mexicans living in Saudi Arabia.

Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN World Tourism Organization’s regional office in Riyadh, gave the opening address, saying that in 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the festival an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Day of the Dead is an international celebration now, it is one recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003,” Toledo said.

“This means that it attracts the entire world — a lot of nationalities, and you can see here there are people here from Mexico, from Latin America, from Europe, from Saudi and the Middle East.”

During his remarks, the ambassador said that the Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most profound and ancient traditions because of its powerful significance in terms of history, culture, and tradition and the great interest it has captured throughout the world.

“Around the Day of the Dead, families visit the cemetery, arrange the graves, and gather to place altars and offerings for their late loved ones to welcome them back during their quick visit. In almost all Mexican houses, wherever we are, families set up an altar with traditional decorations, flowers, their favorite meals and drinks, and their pictures,” he explained.

During Friday’s event, an altar was featured dedicated to prominent Mexicans who have promoted Mexico internationally.

“Personalities such as Octavio Paz, winner of the Nobel Literature Prize; Alfonso García Robles, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize; and Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, recognized ambassadors of Mexican cinema and art,” the ambassador explained.

“We honor their memory with this event that we dedicate to them today.”

During his speech, Gomez underlined: “Besides vindicating an ancient Mexican tradition today, this cultural activity confirms Saudi Arabia’s current moment as a friendly country to the world’s cultural expressions.”

Traditional foods and drinks were served during the celebration, including bread of the dead and hot chocolate, which are usually enjoyed on the days of Dia de Muertos from Nov. 1-2.

On the sidelines of the event an exhibit of photographs by Mauricio Silerio showcased black and white skeletal symbols associated with the festivities.


Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

Updated 02 November 2024
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Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

RIYADH: Thrift shopping, long associated with affordable and unique finds, has taken Saudi Arabia by storm.

But what is catching the attention of fashion-conscious Saudis is not just the idea of sustainable fashion, but also the rising price tags attached to these second-hand gems.

While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive.

As sustainable fashion becomes more mainstream, the appeal of thrift shopping has transcended its traditional boundaries. Saudis now seek out vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, even if it means paying a premium.

One of the key players in this evolving market is Darah, a textile recycling startup founded by Rawan Al-Deraibi.

Al-Deraibi explained how Darah differentiates itself from traditional recycling methods: “At Darah, we’re redefining textile recycling by transforming discarded clothes into new, exciting creations.

“Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on material recovery, we give textiles a second life as ‘flipped’ fashion items, unique home decor pieces and much more. Our approach emphasizes creativity and sustainability, turning waste into functional and stylish products that tell a story.”

While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive. (Source: @thriftanthrivee)

Winning a prestigious innovation award has propelled Darah to the forefront of sustainable fashion in Saudi Arabia, but for Al-Deraibi it is clear that this is only the beginning: “Our vision is to expand our presence in the fashion scene by deepening our collaborations with like-minded designers, sustainable brands and forward-thinking businesses. We’re excited to explore partnerships that push boundaries — whether through joint collections, upcycling workshops, or innovative fashion events that bring attention to the importance of circular fashion.”

For more information, follow Darah on Instagram: @darah.thrift.

On the other side of the spectrum is Thrift and Thrive, a small thrift store started by two friends, Norah and her partner, Alanoud Khaled, who share a passion for sustainable shopping. What makes their store unique is the personal touch they add to each item they sell.

“We’re two girls. We have different personalities and tastes, so, because of that, we had a variety of items — some vintage and some new,” said Norah.

Thrift and Thrive carefully curates its collection to maintain a balance between vintage treasures and modern trends, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of its business. “We listen to what our customers want and try to source what they want.”

Despite the growing trend of thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia, Norah was initially uncertain about how it would be received. “We decided to open a thrift shop knowing there’s almost no thrift site in Saudi: That’s what made us so excited to open one. We saw how people in Saudi felt open and comfortable about the thrifting concept.”

Thrift and Thrive’s popularity has continued to grow, fueled by the increasing interest in sustainable fashion and Norah’s commitment to expanding its impact. “With the rise of sustainability, we focus to grow Thrift and Thrive by inspiring people to embrace eco-friendly fashion. We want to reach more people who love this style and help the community thrive.”

Follow Thrift and Thrive on Instagram: @thriftanthrivee.

The public’s response to thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia reflects this growing trend, but not all experiences have been positive. While some shoppers are thrilled by the unique items they find, others have expressed concerns about the pricing.

Mohanned Saqar found that the prices he encountered in Saudi Arabia were much higher compared to his experiences abroad: “Thrifting is supposed to be cheap, but the prices here are very high, especially considering these are used items. Outside of Saudi Arabia, I’ve found great thrifted pieces at much lower prices. It just doesn’t make sense to pay so much for something that’s pre-owned.”

Nadia Yassin, another passionate thrift shopper, sees thrift shopping as both a creative and economic choice: “The idea that you find a unique piece with a story shared by the person who owned it before is fascinating. Then, matching it with a whole outfit adds to the experience.

“On the other hand, it helps reduce consumption by re-wearing items that are already made. The creative part in restyling the piece is what I find most exciting. Economically, I think it’s a more suitable option than buying new.

“Half of my wardrobe is thrifted, and when people ask about my outfit, I tell them I bought it for a certain amount and that it’s thrifted. A few people around me have been influenced and joined me, making it one of the most enjoyable experiences.”

For Sara Al-Ansari, thrifting is a chance to save money while finding one-of-a-kind items.

“Personally, thrift stores do really offer a unique experience,” she said. “Each piece of clothing carries a story, a history of the person who owned it before.

“When I thrift, I’m not just getting a low price, I’m connecting with those past lives and experiences. It’s like a tangible link to different times and places, allowing me to appreciate the individuality of each item. Plus, there’s something special about giving these clothes a new life, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.”

For those looking for more budget-friendly thrift options, Haraj remains a popular choice. Haraj markets sell everything you could ever think of, mostly used items ranging from furniture to clothing and electronics, often at prices significantly lower than in formal stores. Haraj Bin Qasim in Riyadh operates on a similar model, offering used goods at affordable prices, making it a haven for bargain hunters.

As more Saudis begin to appreciate the environmental and personal value of thrift shopping, the trend is expected to continue growing.

For those eager to explore this growing trend, @saudi.thrift is hosting an event in November 2024, where thrifting enthusiasts can gather and share in this sustainable fashion movement.

For now, thrift stores like Darah and Thrift and Thrive are not only thriving, but also helping to shape a new retail landscape — one where sustainability meets style, and where every item has a story waiting to be rediscovered.