New book shows 300 illustrations of the Hajj pilgrimage over the centuries

To mark this year's Hajj, a new coffee-table book has been released, filled with glossy pages of artworks and artefacts connected to the world's largest religious pilgrimage.

Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage, by luxury publisher Assouline, recounts the importance of the journey to Islam's holiest city. As one of the five pillars of Islam, the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia must be undertaken by any Muslim able to complete it

The book explores many of the priceless artefacts of The Khalili Collections, gathered by British-Iranian scholar Nasser David Khalili over a 50-year period. Comprising more than 28,000 pieces of Islamic art and covering more than 1,400 years of history, it remains the largest and most comprehensive collection in private hands to date.

The book has been written by Qaisra M Khan, formerly of the British Museum and now a curator for The Khalili Collections, and is filled with insights into the Islamic principles and rituals of Hajj, and offers a glimpse of many of its sacred manuscripts.

The Kiswah of Maqam Ibrahim being carried through Cairo, with King Farouk in attendance, in 1939. Photo: The Khalili Collections

More than 5,000 pieces of the collection are brought to light in this book, including one-off copies of the Quran, illustrated manuscripts, scientific instruments, textiles and rare books. There are even illustrations of Makkah, including one watercolour dated 1845, which shows the whole city as it was at the time.

The book also includes some of the earliest-known photographs of the Hajj, including one taken of pilgrims circling the Kaaba in 1880.

As a show of the global influence of Islam, the book includes such varied artworks as 19th-century Kashmiri drawings depicting the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and a drawing of pilgrim boats en route to the holy city as captured in a 19th-century Chinese scroll. There is even a 1939 photograph taken in Cairo showing the Kiswah of the Maqam Ibrahim, in the presence of Egypt's King Farouk.

Three fascinating books on UAE history and culture released at Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2022

With the Hajj largely kept shielded from non-Muslim eyes, Khan takes pains to provide a glimpse into this ancient and meaningful pilgrimage, and explain its spiritual and cultural significance to those who may never experience it first-hand.

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

The team

Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi

The%20Hunger%20Games%3A%20The%20Ballad%20of%20Songbirds%20%26%20Snakes

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Francis%20Lawrence%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ERachel%20Zegler%2C%20Peter%20Dinklage%2C%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Tom%20Blyth%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Match info

Wolves 0

Arsenal 2 (Saka 43', Lacazette 85')

Man of the match: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)

Recycle Reuse Repurpose

New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors

Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site

Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area

Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.

About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor

Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:

Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled

Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays

Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters

Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative