How Hajj has changed Over the years

Hajj is among the most significant religious pilgrimage activities in the world to Muslims. Many pilgrims travel to Mecca annually for the purpose of undertaking Hajj, a journey that has seen changes over the years. How Hajj  has changed over the years? Let’s explore today.

How Hajj Was Performed in the Past

Prior to the development of advances in travel and infrastructure, Hajj was a tough and lengthy process. Pilgrims journeyed on camel or by foot weeks or months before they could reach Mecca. Roads were less developed, and the climate was severe at times, with most enduring extreme heat, scarce water, and poor shelter during their journey.

After pilgrims arrived in Mecca, they would undertake the ritual of the Kaaba and other sacred sites. Coordination was inefficient, and medical facilities were not present in any sense, making the pilgrimage dangerous, particularly with the sea of people.

But amidst the challenges, the core practices and rituals of Hajj, including Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba), Sa’i (rambling between Safa and Marwah), and ritual stoning of the devil, have not altered, preserving the religious importance of the pilgrimage for more than a thousand years.

Forward to 2025, it’s interesting to observe how Hajj has changed and what more we can expect to witness for pilgrims in the future. What Hajj 2025 will look like, from technological advancements to healthcare and the lives of pilgrims in general, will be what we explore in this article.

1. Improved Pilgrimage to Mecca

Earlier, it was a tedious and long pilgrimage to Mecca to perform hajj. Pilgrims took the means of camel, ship, or even on foot, and it would take weeks or even months to reach there. But with advancements in aviation, pilgrims now fly by airplane straight to Mecca, reducing the time to mere fractions.

By the year 2025, quicker means of travel, such as faster flights, improved airport facilities, and a more pleasant means of traveling to and from Mecca, will be made available. Muslims across the globe will be able to visit Hajj even more easily without worrying about long-distance travel.

2. Technological Innovations for Pilgrims

Technology has improved Hajj to be safer and more organized. In 2025, there will be even greater digital advancements to support pilgrims. For example, apps and smart wristbands are already being used to track pilgrims, guide pilgrims to different places, and provide real-time information. In 2025, the technologies will be even more advanced so that pilgrims will easily travel around Mecca and Mina. This is because these developments reflect how Hajj has changed over time.

3. Modern Health and Safety Measures

Safety and health have never been issues in Hajj, particularly when there are masses of people congregating in a closed area. Cholera and influenza used to quickly spread back then. But due to the constant international priority for health, particularly due to COVID-19, health protocols during Hajj are expected to be reinforced further in 2025.

The pilgrims will also have to follow strict health rules, including vaccination, sanitizing, and body temperature checks. Medical facilities in Mecca and Mina will also be fitted with the latest medical equipment for emergency response as well as for maintaining the good health of the pilgrims.

4. Sustainable Hajj: Eco-Friendly Changes

Since the world is going more  eco-conscious, Saudi Arabia has also started adopting eco-friendly practices for Hajj. These include reducing waste, conserving water, and using solar power in buildings. Green practices will be even more prevalent in 2025, which will make the pilgrimage even more sustainable in the coming years.

Look out for greener Hajj ventures in terms of more solar-built structures, improved waste collection systems, and sustainable modes of transportation for pilgrims.

5. Better Infrastructure for Pilgrims

Mecca’s infrastructure has been growing at a geometric scale in the recent decades. The Grand Mosque housing the Kaaba has seen expansions in various sections to house the increasing number of pilgrims. There will be more contemporary hotels, transport mechanisms, and services in 2025 to serve the large numbers of visitors.

New rail networks, improved mass transit, and improved accommodation facilities will make the journey comfortable for pilgrims, emphasizing convenience and comfort.

6. Virtual Hajj for Remote Pilgrims

Although millions of Muslims carry out Hajj annually, others are unable to do so owing to financial, health, or infrastructural reasons. Even more virtual Hajj in 2025 may be the new trend, where individuals watch the rituals virtually. It will not be a substitute for the real pilgrimage but an additional means of feeling the holy pilgrimage. This is a clear example of how hajj has changed over the years. 

Conclusion

In 2025, Hajj will progress even further, and technology, health and safety standards, green activities, and improved infrastructure will be in competition. These developments reflect how hajj has changed over time.  The basic religious part of Hajj will stay the same, but these technological developments will streamline and make Hajj safer and easier for Muslims everywhere.

Hajj 2025 Update:

This year, Hajj will begin on June 6, 2025 (8th Dhul-Hijjah).
Today is May 8, 2025, which means there are just 29 days left until Hajj begins . If you are among those blessed to go for Hajj this year, congratulations!
May Allah make your journey easy, accept your worship, and return you as a Hajj Mabroor. Amen.