Pilgrims go shopping

For Haj pilgrims shopping, after religious ritual is a way of life

Shopping bugs don't spare anyone. Not even pilgrims on a consecrated journey. As a form of 'me time', shopping provides the much needed relaxation and escape from stress and strain of Haj.  After spiritual renewal, pilgrims end up with a more earthly reward - shopping. The recently concluded annual pilgrimage at Makkah saw devotees going on a shopping binge once the Haj was over.

What did they buy? From prayer beads to scarves to designer clothes and expensive jewellery - everything under the sun. Shops selling burqas and hijabs (head covering) are a big hit with women pilgrims. Buying gifts and souvenirs for kith and kin back home is a tradition. Pilgrims indulge in a spot of shopping in between performing prayers and religious rituals. While the well-heeled turn to big hypermarkets like Bin Dawood and Abraj, majority of the worshippers hit the roads where affordable goods are lined up. "It is not proper to return to your family after a month without carrying gifts", says Maria of Egypt echoing the sentiments of many others.

Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam, offer many things unique to Muslims which are perhaps not found anywhere. For instance the best of prayer rugs from around the world are to  be found here. The price goes from a mere 10 Saudi Riyal to 100 SR and above depending on the quality. Prayer rugs are a rage among pilgrims as they have to be distributed to family members back home along with the holy zam zam water and dates.

Retail therapy brings in mega bucks to the merchants in Makkah and Madinah. In fact traders eagerly look forward to the annual Haj to rake in the mullah. Though pilgrims can be seen purchasing all through the day, mostly while returning to their hotels from the Grand Mosque, the shopping peaks after dusk when they are through with the day's prayers.

For bibliophiles Makkah offers amazing books stores. The Darussalam publications, particularly, are lapped up by pilgrims for their rich content and quality printing. The library at the Grand Mosque is home to a variety of books on Islam and the ambience here makes reading a pleasurable experience. Located on the second floor of the masjid, It also has a digital section, audio books and rare manuscripts.

Not just shopping, pilgrims spare time to see among other things the Makkah Museum to get a peep into the cultural and historical dimension of the two grand mosques. Haj is a dream for many and one would like to cherish the experience for ever. And the best way to remember the journey of faith is to take home souvenirs.

This writer was in Makkah recently to perform Haj.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated October 15,2018