Moslems have always shown themselves to be progressive when it comes to taking advantage of modern technology. So I think it’s time the Hajj is reassessed and modernized in the face of present-day realities. All the heat waves, stampedes while stoning the devil, etc., have made this necessary. There is no year people don’t die during the Hajj and 550 have reportedly died so far this year. And we have it on good science that heat will only get worse in future.

My recommendation? Make the Hajj virtual. People should be able to stay in their houses (or their local mosque), sit facing Mecca, and perform the Hajj via video link. All the devil stoning and marches can be simulated from where you are. I think Muslim scholars and leaders should consider this.

See: https://www.nairaland.com/8130149/least-550-muslims-die-hajj
https://www.nairaland.com/8128141/saudi-stops-stoning-ritual-five

How will dey stone the devil if they make it virtual

The virtual thing will not work. Everyone knows that it is all about TOURISM and the use of RELIGION as a decoy. The countries that sponsor their people to such events know of a truth that they are impoverishing themselves to improve the economy of KSA.

When we all realize that it is more of an economic Golgotha than a religious shrine, then we will wake up.

Righthussle:
How will dey stone the devil if they make it virtual

I'm sure the resourceful Muslim scholars can come up with something. For example, you could snap your fingers each time you're meant to throw a stone. The pillars in Mina isn't the devil anyway - they merely SYMBOLIZE the devil. So snapping your fingers where you are doesn't really water things down.

JuanDeDios:

I'm sure the resourceful Muslim scholars can come up with something. For example, you could snap your fingers each time you're meant to throw a stone. The pillars in Mina isn't the devil anyway - they merely SYMBOLIZE the devil. So snapping your fingers where you are doesn't really water things down.

Do you know how much Saudi Arabia makes every year from the pilgrimage? How will making it a virtual exercise put money into the pockets of the government of Saudi Arabia? Because the whole thing is about making money off the gullible.

Nukilia:
The virtual thing will not work. Everyone knows that it is all about TOURISM and the use of RELIGION as a decoy. The countries that sponsor their people to such events know of a truth that they are impoverishing themselves to improve the economy of KSA.

When we all realize that it is more of an economic Golgotha than a religious shrine, then we will wake up.

Righthussle:


Do you know how much Saudi Arabia makes every year from the pilgrimage? How will making it a virtual exercise put money into the pockets of the government of Saudi Arabia? Because the whole thing is about making money off the gullible.

The Saudis don't decide anything for all Moslems. Sure, they'd be vehemently opposed to such reforms, but if a majority of Muslim scholars worldwide agree, they could issue a fatwa authorizing the reforms.