Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved over the Saudi city of Mecca this week, with downpours falling on the Grand Mosque and visibly drenching the Kaaba at the centre of the sanctuary.
The Kaaba, the cubic structure toward which Muslims around the world direct their prayers, sits at the heart of the Masjid al-Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque. Footage and accounts from the site showed worshippers remaining in the mosque as the rain fell, creating striking images of people praying amid the storm.
Although heavy rainfall is not uncommon in parts of the Arabian Peninsula at certain times of year, showers at the Grand Mosque draw attention because of the site’s religious significance and the large numbers of people who gather there. Worshippers at the complex continued their rites as weather conditions changed.
Weather events such as thunderstorms can present logistical challenges for the management of large religious sites, particularly during periods of high attendance. Authorities in the region regularly monitor conditions and issue guidance aimed at ensuring the safety and movement of pilgrims and residents during adverse weather.