Virtual hajj as a response to demographic and geopolitical pressures

Hajj is the most important one of the Five Pillars in Islam. Islam makes the Kaaba as the orientation of daily prayers (salat), and hajj as the linkage to maintain the global Muslim faith community. The sanctity of hajj rituals is of positive significance for global pilgrims to transcend the boundaries of countries and ethnic groups. In the era of globalization, hajj quota has long been a scarce resource. It is difficult for most Muslims to obtain hajj permits from Saudi Arabia in a short term. Even non-Muslims are full of concern about Islam, especially the hajj. Then, the “virtual hajj,” which is similar to the real hajj in the sacred city Mecca, came into being. It is mainly divided into several types: (1) building the real scenes of Kaaba and other hajj sites, and Muslims participating in the “virtual hajj” through role-playing; (2) the “virtual hajj” apps developed through 3D digital technology and their upgraded versions; (3) the “virtual hajj” live broadcasting the real hajj to non-pilgrims through the pilgrim’s smartphone with the 5G network technology; and (4) the “virtual hajj” software developed by VR and AR technology in the Metaverse era. The main functions of “virtual hajj” are embodied in four aspects: protest against Saudi Arabia, Islamic education, universal effect, and the COVID-19 fighting. All types of “virtual hajj” have positive effects on both the Muslims and non-Muslims. However, there are different voices from religious circles on how to treat “virtual hajj.”