Lightning hits Makkah Clock Tower as pilgrims pray in rain

A video showing a lightning strike at Makkah’s iconic Clock Tower went viral across social media platforms as thunderstorms and rain swept across the holy city on Wednesday evening, August 26.

The lightning strike was captured by photographer Youssef Bajjash, whose images and footage showed the bolt cutting through the dark sky before appearing to strike the towering landmark.

In a post on X, Bajjash shared the footage, describing the experience as “an unforgettable night of



lightning and thunder”.

Saudi astronomer Mulham Hindi also took to X to share images and videos of the weather activity, noting that August and September are among the months typically associated with thunderstorms in Makkah and western Saudi Arabia.

Footage released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) showed worshippers and Umrah pilgrims performing Isha prayers in the rain at the Grand Mosque, while the Emirate of Makkah Region shared videos capturing lightning across the city’s skyline.