The Saudi Arabian government announced that it is conducting a project in which the Kaaba will be visited virtually. According to the project, the Kaaba, which was restricted in the coronavirus pandemic, will be replaced virtually.
SAUDI ARABIA ANNOUNCED THE PROJECT
The Saudi Arabian administration announced that it is conducting a project in the Metaverse where the Kaaba can be 'visited'. The project includes a simulation of the main pilgrimage sites of Mecca. While it is known that even the photographs and miniatures of the Kaaba are objectionable according to the Ahl as-Sunnah, a project where believers can perform 'virtual pilgrimage/umrah' is emerging as a new fitna that is trying to be introduced into Islam.
ARE VISITINGS OF MUSLIMS REDUCING?
With this virtual project, which attempts to distort the obligation of pilgrimage, one of the five basic pillars of Islam, there are concerns that virtual pilgrimage project will target Muslims’ true pilgrimage. On the other hand, the question 'Do the various excuses like virtual pilgrimage opportunity and restrictions on the Kaaba reduce the visitings of Muslims?' comes to fore. It is also known that the Neom city project, which is called the 'Mecca of Robots' in the Sinai desert, which is planned to be completed like 2030, continues.