Pilgrimage to Mecca
Isaac Rashid, a Palestinian who became friends with Arthur Shannon during WW2, wrote several letters to him after Arthur was returned to Australia, before being sent to the PNG campaign against the Japanese.
As set out in the Page Friends in Jerusalem, Isaac and his brother David welcomed Arthur into their family homes in Jerusalem. (Click the site name to go there)
In a letter dated 8th April 1945, Isaac included several small photographs which he described to Arthur as " very precious and can't be found anywhere in the world".
He wanted to show his Christian friend the various steps a Moslem needs to take on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Isaac explained: "Once a year the Moslems from all parts of the world go to "Al Hijaz" in Arabia to visit Al Ka'aba in Mecca and the tomb of Mohamed the prophet in Al Madina.
After a Moslem finishes this visit to "Al Hijaz" he is called "Haj" which is equivalent to a "monk".
Isaac then listed the descriptive captions for each photo. (See below the photo gallery.)
Click each photo to enlarge it.
As set out in the Page Friends in Jerusalem, Isaac and his brother David welcomed Arthur into their family homes in Jerusalem. (Click the site name to go there)
In a letter dated 8th April 1945, Isaac included several small photographs which he described to Arthur as " very precious and can't be found anywhere in the world".
He wanted to show his Christian friend the various steps a Moslem needs to take on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Isaac explained: "Once a year the Moslems from all parts of the world go to "Al Hijaz" in Arabia to visit Al Ka'aba in Mecca and the tomb of Mohamed the prophet in Al Madina.
After a Moslem finishes this visit to "Al Hijaz" he is called "Haj" which is equivalent to a "monk".
Isaac then listed the descriptive captions for each photo. (See below the photo gallery.)
Click each photo to enlarge it.
1. The ships which the pilgrims take from the Suez in Cairo to Al Riad the Port of Hijaz after a long trip in trains
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2. Pilgrims crowded in the ship
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3. Pilgrims coming down from the ship going to land in boats
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4. The minute they arrive in the Holy land of Mecca they take off their clothes and put on a robe of white cloth. The minute when the rich and the poor wear the same, and there in no difference between them
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5.This is Al Ka'aba, the most Holy place for Moslems.
Moslems turn their face towards Al Ka"aba when they pray. Pilgrims have to run round Al Ka'aba seven times every day for eight days. |
6. A hotel of Mecca. (At the time of the photo , according to Isaac) "these are the only words written in English in Mecca."
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7.Pilgrims on their way to Mount Arafat where they sacrifice sheep.
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8. People after finishing duties of pilgrims look all happy and glad.
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9. A general scene of "Al Madina".
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10. A general scene of Mecca.
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11. Many people are weak or ill
and can't go round seven times running round Al Ka'aba, so they are carried on beds. Back to top |