The Reality of Snowfall on the Kaaba

Social media activists have circulated videos documenting a strange phenomenon occurring in Mecca and at the Kaaba for the first time, where snow fell on the sacred mosque and the city itself. Currently, the world is facing an unprecedented winter season characterized by cold waves and snowstorms, which have resulted in numerous fatalities across Europe and America, alongside the climate change threatening the planet and altering the weather patterns in some countries.

The widely shared clips on Twitter showed snow falling on the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, covering its famous black cover with a white layer. According to the circulated videos, the authenticity of which has not yet been confirmed by any official source, pilgrims around the Kaaba were recording this rare and unprecedented event with their mobile phones, expressing great joy at this extraordinary sight in this blessed location.

At the same time, this scene sparked significant debate among social media activists, with some linking the snowfall in Mecca to signs of the end of times and the appearance of the awaited Mahdi. One activist noted: “So, pledge allegiance to him even if crawling on snow, for he is the Khalifah of Allah, the Mahdi.” They further elaborated: “Can you imagine that this picture is in Saudi Arabia?! And the above saying is from the Messenger of Allah who did not know of snow in the Arabian Peninsula during his time or that of his ancestors! He did not say to pledge allegiance to him even if crawling on burning sands, but rather said to pledge allegiance even if crawling on snow… Here is the snow.”

Activists refer to the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioning, “Three will fight over your treasures, all of them will be the sons of a Khalifah, yet none will attain leadership. Then black banners will arise from the east, and they will kill you with a killing no one else has killed, then he mentioned something which I cannot remember, and said: if you see him, pledge allegiance to him even if you have to crawl on snow, for he is the Khalifah of Allah, the Mahdi.”

Meanwhile, others have questioned the authenticity of this video and claimed that the footage showing snowfall in Mecca is incorrect and that it has been fabricated using graphic techniques such as "slow motion." To date, there has been no official comment from Saudi authorities confirming or denying the accuracy of this highly circulated clip that has incited controversy.

Additionally, no official Saudi media outlet has published this clip, leaving its validity contingent on statements from the Saudi official media or responses from the authorities.

In another context, the National Center of Meteorology in Saudi Arabia raised the alert level in the Mecca region to a "high alert" due to moderate to heavy rainfall, indicating that the warning will remain in effect until 3:00 PM (Monday). The center stated that the alert encompasses: the holy city, Jeddah, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwahe, Turbah, Rania, Adham, Maysan, Taif, Al-Kamil, Rabigh, Khulais, Asfan, Al-Jamum, Baha, Al-Lith, and Al-Shu'aybah.

The center noted that forecasts indicate the continuation of conditions bringing moderate to heavy rains, alongside active surface winds, increased waves, hail, floods, and significantly reduced visibility. The National Center of Meteorology had predicted in its weather report on Sunday that opportunities remain suitable for thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by active winds and hail showers that could lead to flooding in parts of the Al-Baha, Mecca, and Medina regions. The sky is expected to be partly to mostly cloudy, with opportunities for thunderstorm rain with active winds in parts of Najran, Jazan, and Asir, as well as in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, Ha'il, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders region.

Visibility may also be impacted by fog in parts of these areas, and light snowfall is not ruled out in the mountainous regions of Tabuk (Algaan, Al-Zahr, Jabal Al-Lawz).

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