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December 2, 2008 11:53:22 AM CST

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Pilgrims Use Wi-Fi at Hajj for First Time

Posted Dec 22, 07 3:06 PM CST in Arts & Living,  Technology 

(Newser) – Muslim pilgrims had free access to Wi-Fi for the first time during the Hajj, which ended yesterday in Saudi Arabia. The short-term service, provided by two telecom firms, had 70 access points around holy sites and took only two months to assemble. Pilgrims say that online access helped them seek guidance without tracking down busy muftis, or legal experts, for information on Hajj rites, Wi-Fi Planet reports.

“Instead of running after one mufti to another for Hajj counseling, I preferred to log on to www.IslamiCity.com, which provided answers to all my queries,” a pilgrim told Arab News. But not everyone was convinced: “I never consult web services at this time because Hajj is a worship season,” one worshiper said. An estimated three million pilgrims participated in the Hajj this year.

Sources Wi-Fi Planet, Arab News

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Muslim pilgrims perform the ritual "stoning of the devil" in Mina, in Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims throw pebbles at the stone pillars representing the devil as a...   (Associated Press)
Pilgrims get ready to enter the international airport to go on the annual Haj pilgrimage, in New Delhi, India, Friday Dec. 14, 2007. This year, for the first time, the expected three million pilgrims...   (Associated Press)
Muslim pilgrims pray outside of Grand mosque after they finished their Hajj in Mina near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. For the first time, pilgrims will have free access to wireless Internet,...   (Associated Press)
Muslims pilgrims walk outside of the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Wireless routers have been set up at holy sites. (AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)   (Associated Press)
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