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Arab News
08-06-2025
- Arab News
Centuries of Hajj documented in travelers' chronicles
For centuries, the Hajj pilgrimage has stood as Islam's most profound convergence of spiritual devotion and physical endurance. This sacred journey, where the trials of travel merge with the sanctity of worship, has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers whose written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization. From barefoot pilgrims to seafaring voyagers and desert caravans, the Hajj experience has been preserved across generations through detailed testimonies, books and manuscripts that illuminate both the ritualistic and human dimensions of this transformative journey. According to researcher and historian Saad Al-Joudi, the Hajj transcended its purely ceremonial function to become a comprehensive documentation project that captured the essence of Islamic society across different historical periods. The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, providing exhaustive accounts of his maritime route from Andalusia through Alexandria to the Hejaz from 1183-1185. His writings detail every stage of the pilgrimage sequence: The ritual consecration at designated boundaries (Ihram), the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf), the Sa'I (running between Safa and Marwa), the overnight vigil in Mina, the standing at Mount Arafat, the symbolic stone-throwing ceremony, and the final farewell circumambulation. • This sacred Hajj journey has been meticulously documented by countless travelers, scholars and rulers. • Their written accounts have become invaluable chronicles of the history of Islamic civilization. • The Andalusian explorer Ibn Jubayr was one of the most meticulous chroniclers, detailing every stage of the pilgrimage sequence. • Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah. The renowned traveler Ibn Battuta, who set off on his pilgrimage in 1325, focused extensively on the logistical infrastructure supporting the routes to Makkah. His accounts express wonder at the remarkable unity displayed by Muslims of diverse languages, ethnicities and cultures as they performed identical rituals in perfect synchronization. He documented the overland passages from the Levant to Madinah, describing rest stations, temporary pilgrim markets and mobile medical facilities. Majed Al-Yazidi, of Umm Al-Qura University, said that Hajj documentation extended beyond travel writers to include sultans and kings. Abbasid caliph Harun Al-Rashid is said to have performed the pilgrimage several times, notably traveling on foot as an expression of humility. The 13th-century Mamluk ruler, Baibars, established comprehensive supply networks and security installations for pilgrim caravans throughout the Levant and Arabian Peninsula, transforming the Hajj into an integrated socio-political undertaking. The geographic scope of the pilgrimage routes reflects the civilizational breadth of the Islamic world. Al-Yazidi said that pilgrims from Andalusia and Morocco predominantly traveled by sea, while those from Yemen and the Indian subcontinent used both sea and land routes. Pilgrims from the Levant, Iraq and Egypt followed established paths, including the famous Darb Zubaidah, Darb Al-Kufa and Egyptian corridor. These pilgrimage highways catalyzed the development and prosperity of numerous cities along their paths. Al-Joudi highlighted how these travel accounts provided systematic documentation of Hajj rites. These chronicles also captured behavioral patterns, regional clothing styles, commercial activities and accompanying cultural practices with remarkable precision. Humanitarian and social dimensions of the pilgrimage are exemplified in the works of Abdul Ghani Al-Nabulsi, the scholar who began his journey in 1693. Al-Nabulsi documented the extensive cultural exchanges occurring between pilgrims from East Asia to North Africa, recording gift exchanges, manuscript trading and intellectual discussions. Al-Joudi emphasized that Hajj journeys were cultural, spiritual and humanitarian occasions that motivated numerous writers and travelers to document their rich details. He said that among the most prominent was Ibn Battuta, who dedicated extensive passages in his book the Rihla to describing Hajj rituals, sanctuary conditions and caravan movements. Al-Yazidi also highlighted scholar Mohammed Al-Amin Al-Shanqiti, who authored 'The Hajj Journey to God's Sacred House.' His writings combine precise descriptions with jurisprudential insights and religious rulings, alongside personal observations and interactions with pilgrims from across the globe. Modern Arabic literature has been enriched by numerous Hajj memoirs. Abbas Mahmoud Al-Aqqad's 'The Hejazi Journey' captures the spiritual atmosphere through a literary lens, while Ibrahim Abdul Qadir Al-Mazini's 'Journey to Hejaz' employs contemplative prose to explore both humorous incidents and profound spiritual experiences. Mohammed Hussein Haikal's 'In the House of Revelation' offers intellectual and spiritual analysis of his Arabian journey. Shakib Arslan's 'Pleasant Impressions in the Pilgrim's Mind' and Ali Al-Tantawi's 'To the Land of Prophecy' combine travel narrative with reformist and educational perspectives. The documentation tradition extends beyond Arab authors to include remarkable accounts by converts to Islam. Leopold Weiss (Muhammad Asad) in 'The Road to Makkah' and Takeshi Suzuki (Muhammad Saleh) in 'A Japanese in Makkah' provide insights into the pilgrimage experience from the perspective of recent converts, demonstrating Islam's universal appeal across cultural boundaries. Al-Yazidi said that these diverse travel accounts, despite variations in language and approach, constituted a living historical archive of the Hajj across centuries.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Prophet's Biography Museum in Makkah Offers Immersive Hajj Experience
Located on the second floor of the Clock Towers in the heart of Makkah, the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, supervised by the Muslim World League, is an indispensable destination for pilgrims. It offers a journey beyond rituals, allowing visitors to discover the profound meanings behind timeless Islamic scenes. The museum features over 30 pavilions and more than 200 interactive displays available in seven languages. This rich content immerses visitors in the details of the Prophet's biography and Islamic civilization using modern, technologically advanced methods. Pilgrims and visitors from various nationalities have flocked to the museum to view models simulating the life of Prophet Muhammad from his childhood until his passing. Guided by experts in Islamic culture and the Prophet's biography, the museum serves as a beacon, enriching visitors' experiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Arab News
10-05-2025
- Arab News
Built by hand, rooted in history: National Historical Palace in Taif is one man's tribute to Saudi heritage and Islamic history
MAKKAH: In the heart of Wadi Qarn in Taif governorate, one man's vision has resulted in one of Saudi Arabia's most striking heritage landmarks: the National Historical Palace for Islamic Civilization. Built by Majid Al-Thabiti, the site blends Islamic history with contemporary design, rooted in the symbolism of the number seven. In an interview with Arab News, Al-Thabiti said: 'The number symbolizes perfection and completeness in several Qur'anic verses, including the seven heavens, the seven earths and the seven shaded by God in his shadow, among others.' The project was born out of Al-Thabiti's strong will. He believed in his dream and devoted his effort, time and energy to bring it to life. Spanning 70,000 sq. meters, the palace features seven museums, seven facades, seven gates and almost 7 million stones cut and laid by the man himself. The museums offer distinct cultural and education experiences. Exhibits cover Islamic architecture, local heritage, plastic arts and sculpture, rare collections, astronomy, military history documenting the unification of the Kingdom and an agricultural museum featuring seeds mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. The palace includes 600 square meters of flooring adorned with colored stones and inspired by the historical art of Sadu, an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Al-Thabiti said that he personally cuts, shapes and stacks the stones himself. 'The manual labor is what gives the project its true spirit, as every corner bears (my) imprint, effort and dedication,' he added. He used seven types of stone sourced from across Saudi Arabia, including basalt, quartz and shale. His attention to detail is reflected in features such as hand-shaped facades, floor mosaics inspired by Sadu art and stonework colored in seven hues that mirror the Kingdom's geological diversity. Highlights at the palace include an Abbasid-style minaret with a water fountain in honor of Zubaida, the wife of Harun Al-Rashid; an observatory used to track the crescent moon; and stone engravings of Saudi megaprojects like NEOM and The Line. The site also includes engravings on stone of the Kingdom's military vehicles, such as a fighter jet and ship. Al-Thabiti also built a 700-meter sports track along the banks of Qarn valley, a stable for purebred Arabian horses, as well as replicas of symbolic gates like Makkah Gate, Taif Gate and King Abdulaziz Islamic Gate, with stones from Mounts Al-Nur, Thawr and Uhud. Other exhibits, like Diriyah and Yawm Badina (The Day We Began), commemorate key moments in Saudi history. According to Al-Thabiti, his goal is to transform the palace into a cultural and educational destination that celebrates the Kingdom's history and heritage. 'We possess a great civilizational legacy and a deep-rooted history. It is our duty to present it to the world in the finest way. This palace is the beginning,' he said.
Leaders
14-03-2025
- Leaders
Prophet's Biography Museum Offers Unique Experiences During Ramadan
The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization have captured the attention of various visitors around the world, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Visitors expressed their admiration for the museum's extraordinary contents that shed light on the life of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, during the holy month of Ramadan. Prophet's Biography Museum To offer enriched experiences, the museum reviews various stages of the Prophet's biography in a modern interactive way to boost their understanding of the current month Ramadan. Interestingly, the museum welcomes visitors with an introductory tour showcasing the museum's contents, sections, and topics related to the month of Ramadan and its relationship to the life of the Prophet. Prophet's Biography Museum Furthermore, it highlights the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting and its crucial role in enhancing health. To immerse them into major historical events in the Prophet's life, the museum displays several prophetic events, such as the revelation of the Holy Qur'an during Ramadan as well as the places and countries the Prophet passed through during his Umrah. Prophet's Biography Museum Through state-of-the-art technologies, the museum is welcoming visitors in eight international languages and offering them a unique experience that combines knowledge with spirituality. Related Topics: Makkah Inaugurates Holy Qur'an Museum in Hira Cultural District Holy Quran Museum in Hira District: Cultural Landmark Showcasing Precious Manuscripts TeamLab Museum in Historic Jeddah Combines Arts, Technology, Nature Short link : Post Views: 12
