There are millions of Moslems from many countries in the World go on pilgrimage a. k. a. the Haj every year. They come by various means and most pilgrims come in groups. It is interesting to observe the way the pilgrims dress while in the Holy Land. Other than the mandatory ihram for some haj rituals, the pilgrims are free to dress as they like as long as they conform to the 'aurat requirements.
Looking at the way the pilgrims dress is a lesson in geography...yes geography. Malaysian pilgrims usually dress in baju Melayu or arabic robes or a type of bajus. Indonesians dress in batik (Indonesian type) plus some accessories such as the shawl. And a triangular scarf adorns one's shoulder with the name of the province he comes from printed on it.
The pilgrims from the Indian sub-continent's dress is as you usually see on tv or print media. The Turks wear coats.
The Africans' dress is colourful. The Nigerians dress needs a lot of cloths. The Sudanese's dress is the simple Arab's robes. Those from Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and nearby countries include the respective country's map on the jubah/djellaba. It is also interesting to read the names of those countries in French while on the way to and from the Grand Mosque.
If only some conferences can be organised during the Haj season during which people from various countries can get to know each other, the pilgrimage can become a good event to promote harmony, unity and understanding among people of tghe World.
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