From all corners of the world, Muslims gather annually to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca wearing simple white cloth, leaving behind the comforts of their homes for a brief period.<br /><br />By forgoing their lifestyles, their only focus is to pray to God as his humble servant and ask for his forgiveness and mercy.<br /><br />However, with the change of times the surroundings of the Grand Mosque have changed with the appearance of five-star luxury hotels and shopping malls.<br /><br />These malls offer the material items people crave to have at a time when Muslims are expected to forgo life's luxuries and pleasures.<br /><br />But in the modern 21st century, few can ignore the need for consumer items, regardless of the location.<br /><br />Sohail Rahman reports from Mecca.
