60000 people, 12000 servants, huge amount of gold, when world’s richest Muslim went to Mecca for Hajj, he was…

Mansa Musa was a powerful ruler of the Mali Empire in Africa. During his reign, the empire expanded across present-day Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Niger, and Mauritania.

Written by: Sumaila Zaman Edited by: Sumaila Zaman
Updated: February 13, 2025, 9:24 AM IST

In a new directive for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has banned children from accompanying pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move is intended to safeguard children from the risks of overcrowding during the annual pilgrimage, which draws millions of worshippers. However, have you ever heard of the story where an individual visited Mecca with over 100 camels loaded with gold, 12,000 attendants, and a retinue of 60,000 enslaved individuals? Historical accounts suggest he transported approximately 18 tonnes of gold, a staggering amount equivalent to nearly $957 million in 2022. Read the detailed story. The name of the individual was…

Mansa Musa was a powerful ruler of the Mali Empire in Africa. During his reign, the empire expanded across present-day Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Niger, and Mauritania. Mansa Musa, born in 1280 AD and ascending to the throne in 1312 AD, is often regarded as the wealthiest individual in history. As the ninth ruler of the empire, he became famous for his immense riches and remarkable governance. Adjusted for inflation, his estimated net worth would amount to an astonishing $400 billion, far surpassing the fortunes of today’s richest billionaires.

Mansa Musa strengthened his empire by employing strategies that resemble modern economic policies. According to a TV9 Hindi report, gold and salt were the most valuable trade commodities during his reign, and a crucial trade route ran through the Mali Empire. This route served as a key link between the Mediterranean, the Arab world, and other global markets. By asserting control over this important passage, the Mali Empire leveraged its strategic location, imposed trade levies, and substantially boosted the kingdom’s wealth.

60000 people, 12000 servants, huge amount of gold, when world’s richest Muslim went to Mecca for Hajj, he was…

After ruling the Mali Empire for nearly a decade, Mansa Musa decided to travel to Mecca. As per historians, he traveled with a grand entourage of over 60,000 enslaved individuals, including 12,000 attendants. Along with them, hundreds of camels laden with gold were also part of this lavish procession.

The most remarkable part of the procession was the 500 slaves who were carrying gold bars. In addition, the camels were also laden with vast amounts of gold. A report by Michael A. Gomez, a professor at New York University and a historian of West Africa, published in RT, claims that the amount of gold Mansa Musa brought on his Hajj pilgrimage exceeded 18 tons, reported TV9 Hindi.

He is often considered the richest person to have ever lived. It is reported that his wealth surpasses even the richest individuals of today, such as Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Adani, and Tata.

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