Abstract: The subject of this research is the gender regime in Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth and last pillars of Islam comprising the basis of religion and foundation of Muslim community, prescribed to complete at least once in a lifetime (depending on financial and physical capabilities of the believer). Islam establishes special rules for women completing Hajj. On the examples of female religiosity in the large Islamic areal in Russia – Southern Ural, the author examines the gender peculiarities of Islamic pilgrimage. Interviews conducted with the pilgrims allowed analyzing the role of Hajj in the modern Muslim community, assess the impact of pilgrimage upon religiosity, behavior and status of women in Islam. Rituals and daily life of the believers are strictly regulated; Islam is characterized by the strong gender division that are vividly reflected in Hajj. As a matter of fact, Hajj enhances the gender differences; women, most often, return as devout Muslims, opt for meticulousness of carrying out the religious rituals, wearing veil and traditional clothes, obedience and humbleness with regards to men.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the problem of innovativeness of traditional religions and their compatibility with the technological novelties. On the example of Hajj – one of the major Islamic rituals, the author examines the use of digital technologies in realization of the annual pilgrimage of the Muslims. Emphasis is made on studying the process of using the Hajj-related mobile applications that allow the believers and nonbelievers to connect with the religious action in the virtual space. Mobile interface allows each user to receive information on religion, sacred texts, stamping grounds, as well as contains theological interpretation of the rituals, audio and visual content. The research was carried out in the Islamic segment of Internet; the author conducted content analysis of the information and discussion content pertinent to Hajj. The acquired results testify to the expansion of virtualization of Islam along with the use of digital technologies in the conservative religious field. The popularity of digital images, social networks, “virtual Hajj” among the Internet users contribute to the increase of communicative and discussion activity in Islamic society with regards to the questions of “veracity” and need for using information technologies by the believers.