Tell Me about Hajj: What the Hajj Is, Why It's So Important and What It Teaches Me

This short 37-page, English language (with many Arabic words), LARGE-size hardback is very informative for youths and teenagers, and any adult unfamiliar with the Hajj. It is written from a Muslim perspective, so there is no questioning about the `validity' of Islamic theology doctrine. It contends that the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was born in Ur (Iraq), who traveled to Jerusalem, then into Egypt, before finally visiting in Mecca, where he built the Kaaba and abandoned his `wife' Hagar and `son' Ishmael (Ismail). [No explanation is given as to why Abraham dumped Hagar and Ismael in the middle of a hostile desert without provisions.] {There is no mention of his `wedded wife' Sara, nor his other son: Issac, and nothing about the entire Jewish/Muslim `Promised Land' dispute pertaining to Israel/Palestine.} Abraham's attempt to sacrifice Ishmael is discussed; instead, they built the Kabah (al-Bayt al-Haram) in Mecca, and how it is covered with the Kiswa cloth. Its `Black Stone' (al-Hajar al-Aswad) is discussed. A sufficient description of the historical origins of the Hajj is detailed, along with the side-trips to Mina for prayer at Mount Arafat, and the stoning of the Devil's pillars. A hajj pilgrim's "Code of Conduct" is provided, including eating, dress and prayer rituals. Various rituals pertaining to the Kabah, Tawaf, Sa'y, Talbiya, Zamzam well, Rami, and the animal-sacrifice festival (Id al-Adha) at Mina are explained. Many nice color photographs and drawings. Much better than most similar, introductory booklets that I have seen.

I ordered this book for my Middle School World Cultures classroom. Both Muslim and non-Muslim students have found this book very helpful!