Interesting article in Saudi Gazette on the use of new inventions to improve conditions at Haj this year.

The first involves seamless trousers that men will wear under the Ihram, the two-piece garment made of seamless material (usually cotton) during the state of ritual purity. Given the amount of walking and running involved in performing the Haj, men were complaining that their thighs were becoming chafed, particularly when Haj took place in the hotter months of the year. This garment, approved by the Grand Mufti, will provide some protection and comfort.

The second is even more interesting. It is a microchip that is to be worn at the wrist, as a watch. The chip will contain necessary identification to assist the pilgrims in their day-to-day life during the period of the Haj. The article notes, too, that in case of disaster, it will provide information to assist in identification of bodies. That’s grim, but not unrealistic. With over a million people performing the same rituals at the same time, the potential for problems is always going to be there. The recent past has provided sufficient evidence of that.

Seamless Trousers, Smart Watch for Pilgrims This Haj

TWO revolutionary inventions will be put to use this Haj season for the comfort and safety of pilgrims, reported Al-Hayat daily on Friday.

The first one is a seamless trouser to be worn under the Ihram. Pilgrims often complain of sore thighs because of friction as a result of long walks. The trouser will protect the thighs.

The trouser, which has been approved by the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh, is not sewn because pilgrims and Umrah performers are allowed to wear only seamless clothes in a sate of Iharm.

Dr. Taha Al-Khateeb, General Haj Health Services Director, has designed the seamless trouser.

The other important invention to be introduced this Haj season is a smart chip in the shape of a watch to be worn by pilgrims. The electronic chip stores the data about the pilgrim. It has information about his/her passport, Haj permit, address, telephone number etc.

Pilgrims wearing this smart chip watch will no longer have to carry their passports or any other identification papers which may be lost in the crowd.

It will also help in the identification process in case of fire and other calamities.
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