These pictures were ALL taken by Japanese photographer Ali Kazuyoshi Numachi, a revert to Islam. They are all found in his book, Mecca the Blessed, Medina the Radiant: The Holiest Cities of Islam. If possible, CHECK out the book - a few of the images in it will literally move you tears. Captions here are the same as used in the book.
Hand-sewn belt of the Kiswah using gold threads at a factory in Mecca. Until recently the Kiswah was made in Egypt and presented by the sultan of that country to the Ka’bah, but now it is made in Mecca. Each year the old Kiswah is cut into small pieces and donated as precious gifts to certain individuals and organizations.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, all adult Muslims who have the physical capability are required to fast from dawn to sunset. Here pilgrims are offered food to break their fast at the Mosque of the Prophet.
The Friday congregational prayer at the Mosque of the Prophet. As this prayer is attended by the people of Medina as well as large numbers of pilgrims, the building, which holds 190,000 worshippers, invariably is full and many have listen to the sermon (known as Khutbah) from outside, under the heat of the sun.
A pilgrim from West Africa reciting the Qu’ran in the vast space of the Mosque of the Prophet outside the period of the hajj. The short pilgrimage (al-umrah) can be and is performed by numerous people throughout the year, so the wave of pilgrims to Mecca and Medina never ceases.
Evening prayer at the Mosque of the Prophet (masjid al-nabi). During the twenty days preceding and following the annual Haji nearly two million pilgrims will visit Medina.
Children of foreign laborers and residents at one of the many Qur’anic schools. The diverse nationalities of these children illustrates how many of the laborers and pilgrims, who have come to Medina from all over the world, have decided to remain there.
Tawaf or circumambulation around the Ka’bah. Tawaf is a required part of haji and must be performed seven times counter-clockwise starting at the south eastern corner of Ka’bah where the Black Stone, symbol of the original covenant between God and man, is embedded.
The ruins of Mada’in Salih, part of a complex of ruins in the desert in the northwestern region of the Arabian peninsula. Most of them are tombs of Nabataeans who formed a civilization in that region in the early centuries of the Christian era. The center of their civilization was in and around Petra in present-day Jordan.
Great Pics!
Anyone here ever went on Haj or umrah???
** Mu Hu Hahahahahaha!** "Quote the Mu,“NeverMu!” Yeh Duniya Doh Rangi Ajab Iski Baatein
Agar Pyar Maango toh Hasrat Millegi
Chaman Zindagi ke Hazaaron Killeinge
Magar Eik Dil ki Kali Nah Kiley Gi
Thanks everyone:) Adnan, you're welcome. I used a few of the pics on my desktop as well.
do u think the book is available in hte us. Eddy, yes it should be. It is widely available in Canada. Check major bookstores in your area; not certain if you have stores like "Chapters" in the US - it's a good place to find books. If you are still unable to find it, you can try ordering it too via the store if they have that policy. Might also be available at a main branch of your public library. Hope that helps Insha'Allah.
Changez_Like, I'm very sorry but what do you mean by "other" civilizations - as in non Muslim civilizations?
[This message has been edited by Nadia_H (edited May 30, 2002).]
