Paper short abstract:

In the past Hajj-pilgrims were separated from their homes for a long time. Today's pilgrims share their experiences directly with those at home via smart phones. This paper discusses the impact of the use of new technology on pilgrims' practices and experiences and address the debates it engenders.

Paper long abstract:

Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to perform Hajj. In the past, their communication with those who stayed home and audio-visual documentation of one's pilgrimage experiences were rare and complicated. Today's pilgrims, in contrast, can stay in near permanent touch with their families and share their Hajj experience directly via mobile phone apps and social media. In our presentation, we will discuss the impact of the use of new technology on pilgrims' Hajj practices and experiences and address the debates such use engenders. Modern technology allows pilgrims not only to stay connected those at home, but it can also facilitate their Hajj performance, for example through apps that suggest appropriate supplication prayers at various stages of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims can be seen taking selfies with the Ka'ba, live-streaming their circumambulation of the building and the performance of other rites or live-showing hotel rooms and the overall atmosphere to those back home. Such practices do not go uncontested; according to some the use of smart phones distracts one from the main goal of the pilgrimage; communication with God. How, then, do pilgrims use or contest the use of mobile apps and social media during performance of the Hajj? How is the Hajj experience presented and discussed in cyberspace? How does documentation and sharing different parts of the pilgrimage experience contribute to the self-representation and meaning-making of pilgrims? We will provide thick narrative examples from the pilgrimage to Mecca by Moroccan and Moroccan-Dutch pilgrims to discuss these questions.