Mecca (Wonders of Man)

By Desmond S. Stewart, photography by Mohamed Amin, printed in Japan, Newsweek Press, NY, hardback, large 23cmX29cm, 1980, 172 pgs, 150+ photographs color & b/w; ISBN 0-88225-287-9. [Reissued in 1985.] Details the history of the "Kaaba" in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the square building held sacred by Muslims. Muslims believe that the original Qabba (cube) was built by the first man, Adam, and refurbished by the Prophet Abraham, the founder of monotheism. As a requirement in their Holy Quran, Muslims are requested to at least once in their life travel to Mekka and circumambulate the Kaaba several times to fulfill their hajj, as stipulated by their Prophet Mohammad. If they are fortunate, they may even get to kiss the Black Stone. There are many nice full-page color photographs spread throughout this book. The author discusses pre-Mohammad history of the origins of the Kaaba, and details how Mohammad cleansed out the various pagan idol statuaries and tribal totems. The basic religious pillars of Islam are briefly discussed. A brief discussion is presented as to how the Kaaba had to be rebuilt and remodeled several times due to fires or floods. Many old drawings depicting various scenes of Mohammad courting his followers are reproduced. Besides pictures of the compound enclosing the Kaaba, pictures of Islam's second-most important city, Medina, where Mohammad resided, are presented, too. Besides showing the outside courtyards of various building, there are photographs of the inside of Mohammad's shrine and tomb in Medina. Besides the buildings, text and photographs abound in detailing the various aspects of the religious stopping points ("stations") of Muslims during their hajj on the Plain of Arafat in the Hijaz desert. Overhead photos show the tens of thousands of tents and pilgrims encamped out in the desert. There are many photographs and much text explaining the "Sacred Mosque" in Mecca that surrounds Mohammad's tomb. Also of interest are extensive reprints from letters of early Muslim pilgrims (and several Europeans who surreptitiously entered the city) who note their observances of the buildings and the religious rites of other pilgrims. Also discussed is how the revenues from oil have impacted the people of Saudi Arabia and financed the refurbishment of the various religious buildings. A very sound history of Islam is presented, but no real critical analysis; nothing about 'jihad' or any controversial aspects of the Quran. The photographs comprise about a quarter of this book, solid easy-reading scholastic-quality text filling the remainder. An excellent book for both the coffee-table and the student initially trying to learn about the development of Islam.