The Heat: Hajj and the commercialization of Mecca

The Heat

Has the billion dollar expansion of Mecca turned hajj into an over-priced shopping trip that cost Muslims centuries of history?

Hajj is a pillar of Islam, and every Muslim who can, is required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives. As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is tasked with ensuring millions can make the trip safely.

CCTV’s Adel El Mahrouky in Mecca, has more.
Follow Adel ELMahrouky on Twitter @AdelMahrouky

To discuss more about the pilgrimage and why millions make the trip:

  • Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and General Manager of Al Arab News Channel
  • Sami Fortune, an Islamic art history and architecture specialist
  • Haroon Siddiqui, a journalist with the Toronto Star