A stunning video showcasing lightning illuminating the famed Mecca Clock Tower has enthralled internet users worldwide.
The tower, which is the largest of its kind and overlooks the sacred Kaaba, was brilliantly lit by the lightning, casting a radiant glow over the city.
Photographer Youssef Bajjash captured the spectacular event. “When the clouds began forming in Mecca, I quickly positioned myself for an optimal view of the lightning. I was lucky enough to capture the exact moment the lightning met the tower,” Bajjash remarked.
Further videos circulating on social platforms depicted the difficulties faced by pilgrims trying to circle the Kaaba. Wind-tossed barriers made their journey challenging.
The National Centre of Meteorology had previously warned of cumulus thunder-clouds in areas such as Asir, Jazan, Al Baha, and Mecca, predicting moderate to heavy rains with a possibility of hail. Consistent with these forecasts, sections of Mecca were drenched. The rain was both a physical presence and an emotional catalyst.
Local authorities praised the rainfall, describing it as a “watering of mercy and blessings,” especially considering the region’s soaring temperatures.
The Mecca Clock Tower, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project, emerged from the building of hotel towers near the Grand Mosque. Conceptualized by SL Rasch in 2006, the tower masterfully blends contemporary and Islamic art.
One of the tower’s standout features is the planet’s largest crescent atop its pinnacle. Crafted from carbon fiber, this crescent houses the most expansive prayer room in the world.
The impressive clock, designed by German firm Perrot, is an engineering marvel. At a staggering 450 meters off the ground, its hands, made from carbon fiber laminate, stretch 22 meters.