Some 2 million people from more than 100 nations descended
upon Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this year to participate in a
centuries-old annual pilgrimage that forms one of the pillars
of the Islamic faith.
Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammad, founder of
Islam. Every Muslim who can afford to make the pilgrimage,
known as hajj, is obliged to do so at least once during his
or her lifetime.
During the hajj of 1998, CNN was granted unprecedented access
to Mecca. This four-part special, hosted by CNN
Correspondent Riz Khan, provides an rare inside look at this
pivotal religious gathering, its people and its traditions.
Part I
This segment puts hajj rituals into context and looks at the
people who come to Mecca, a place central to the heart of
Muslims.
Part II
Khan takes us to the crowded streets of Mecca and talks to
pilgrims from many parts of the world. Also: what it takes
to manage of crowd of 2 million pilgrims.
Part III
A look at the hajj from the perspective of some U.S. Muslims,
and, from Indonesia, a woman's perspective on the spiritual
journey.
Part IV
This segment includes Khan's personal account of how, while covering the hajj for CNN, he became a part of the pilgrimage, donning the traditional garments and participating in some of its ancient rituals.
CNNI is offering a tape of this report on the Hajj.
Click here for ordering information
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