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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 IThis segment puts hajj rituals into context and looks at the people who come to Mecca, a place central to the heart of Muslims.
Part IIKhan 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 IIIA look at the hajj from the perspective of some U.S. Muslims, and, from Indonesia, a woman's perspective on the spiritual journey.
Part IVThis 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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