Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrims from Martapura, South Borneo in the Dutch East Indies visiting Jeddah. Photo by Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, 1884 - 1888

Surrounded by the Holy Mosque, al-Masjid al-Haram, stands the cubic Kaaba. Shortly after they arrive in Mecca, pilgrims first walk around the Kaaba seven times and then walk back and forth between two hills, al-Safa and al-Marwa. They carry out a large number of rituals in the following days in both Mecca and its environs. On the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja, they begin the great feast of Eid al-Adha to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to serve God by sacrificing his son. Ritual sacrifices of sheep and goats are made on this occasion throughout the Islamic world. In conclusion, pilgrims drink or are sprinkled with water from the Zamzam Well in the courtyard of the holy mosque.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

Credit:

Pictures From History