Stefano Mirtis Blueberries

Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam

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Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever has not kindness has not faith. ~ Muhammad

Stefanos Blueberries Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam 151/388

British Museum

-Anis ul-Hujjaj, a guide to pilgrimage (Mughal India, ca. 1677/1680)-

The rituals involved with hajj have remained virtually unchanged since its beginning.

Painting from a Copy of the Anis ul-Hujjaj, a Guide to Pilgrimage

Stefanos Blueberries Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam 151/388

British Museum

-Ivory sundial and qibla pointer, made by Bayram bin Ilyas (Turkey, 1582/1583)-

It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations in the early 7th century. The city has long been viewed as a spiritual centre and the heart of Islam. The qibla is the direction Muslims all over the world must face in prayer, towards Mecca.

Ivory Sundial and Qibla Pointer, Made by Bayram bin Ilyas

Stefanos Blueberries Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam 151/388

British Museum

-illustration from Tarih-i Hind-i Garbi (Turkey, 1650)-

The Ka'ba in Mecca Shown as the Centre of the World

Stefanos Blueberries Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam 151/388

British Museum

-tile depicting the sanctuary at Mecca from Iznik, Turkey (17th century)-

It is laid down in the Quran that it is a sacred duty for Muslims everywhere, if they are able, to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lives.

Tile Depicting the Sanctuary at Mecca from Iznik, Turkey

Stefanos Blueberries Hajj. Or, the Journey to the Heart of Islam 151/388

British Museum

-people at prayer (Faizabad, India, 1774)-

The pilgrimage takes place during the last month of the Islamic year, known as Dhul Hijja

Link to "Hajj journey to the heart of Islam" exhibition, at British Museum in London: http://www.britishmuseum.org/hajj

Here a review on The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/.../hajj-journey-islam-review...

People at Prayer