Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam

One of the five pillars of Islam central to Muslim belief, Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able. This major exhibition in the British Museum's reading room charts the history of this deeply personal journey. Through its display of beautiful textiles, maps, manuscripts and personal objects carried by the pilgrims throughout the centuries the exhibition shows the spiritual significance of this important ritual which originates from Prophet Muhammad in AD 632. Divided into three key strands, we are invited to look at: the pilgrim's journey including the major routes used from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East; the Hajj today and its associated rituals; and Mecca itself. Objects include a 17th Century ceramic wall tile showing the Holy Mosque of Mecca with the Ka'bah at its centre, the cube-shaped building that Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, hopes that the exhibition, "will allow non-Muslims to explore the one aspect of Islamic practice and faith which they are not able to witness, but which plays such a major part in forming a worldwide Islamic consciousness."