Harnessing the power of the sun to service the guests of Mecca. Because the sun of Mecca can light the way for a brighter future!
Hajj 2020 – A New Reality
Hajj is the time of year when millions of Muslims from across the globe meet in one of the holiest cities to complete the “journey of a lifetime” and fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam.
With the prevalence of the coronavirus, Hajj 2020 is in stark contrast to the vivacious image that has long marked this religious ritual. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj made a decision to limit the sacred pilgrimage to few Muslims currently residing in the country.
In the weeks leading up to Hajj, Saudi authorities announced compulsory guidelines that included banning gatherings and meetings between pilgrims, maintaining social distancing and not allowing any person from touching the Kaaba.
These measures are a part of the new reality that is defining our world right now. Reflecting on the state of our earth and how we can meet the challenges of our time will allow us to protect both people and the planet including our holy land. Solar energy can be at the forefront of these solutions.
Great Opportunities and Vast Wealth
Mecca, one of the most revered cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has untapped solar wealth. As KSA is located on the Global Solar Belt”, an area that receives high amounts of sunlight throughout the year, it has the potential to become a solar energy powerhouse. KSA’s solar energy abundance gives it the capability to not only power up the entire country but also the possibility to export surplus energy to neighboring countries.
Investing God’s Signs in the Services of his Guests
This abundance includes an opportunity to provide solar energy to the holy city of Mecca, which consumes large amounts of electricity to meet visitors’ needs. KSA has already been embarking on ways to serve the pilgrims of the holy sites. From regular expansion plans, to upgrading the infrastructure, and in recent years adopting the latest technology to facilitate the rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
During these blessed Zou el Hijja days, as the bright sun lights the spiritual journey pilgrims choose to make, is a time to also contemplate God’s signs and blessings.
In these sacred moments, as many stand on the mountains of Arafa seeking forgiveness and praying for themselves, loved ones and Ummah it is a time to reflect on what we are leaving for the next generation and how we are serving this ummah. For he has “He subjected for you the sun and the moon” 14:33.
Today, more than ever, the importance of investing in solar energy to power this holy city emerges, as it is a clean and environmentally friendly alternative that contributes to the pressing climate crisis and meets the needs of pilgrims.
Perhaps the blazing Mecca sun should not only brighten this spiritual path, but power the entire city!