Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam NEWS


Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam

The British Museum are to stage an exhibition in 2012 dedicated to hajj pilgrimage that will include historic objects and contemporary art that explore the experience of the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.



Opening in January, Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam will feature a mix historic items including manuscripts and archaeological items, and contemporary art - all of which, combined together, documents the majoral spiritual journey and cultural phenomenon that is the hajj pilgrimage.

Contemporary artists Ahmed Mater and Shadia Alem, from Saudi Arabia, will feature their work in the exhibition. Mater, a sculptor, has created an installation including magnets to symbolise the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims surrounding the Ka'bah, the cube in Mecca believed to be built by Abraham.

Over 1400 years old and central to the Muslim faith, the pilgrimage to Mecca is an experience all Muslims must make at least once in their lifetime, as it is laid down in the Qur'an. The hajj is of deep spiritual and emotional significance for Muslims and this exhibition will demonstrate a vast range of literary and artistic responses, inspired by the journey.

Museum director, Neil Macgregor, hopes the exhibition will enable a global audience to futher understand the significance of the hajj - 'It is a phenomenon that needs to be better understood than it is' said Macgregor.

The exhibition concludes the series of exhibitions focusing on spirital journeys and runs from January 26 to April 15 2012.



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