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Mecca: Hajj Industry
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The focal point of Mecca is the Kaaba, the "House of God" believed by Muslims to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael, and which is covered in a gold-embroidered black fabric. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times and may ... try to touch or kiss its cornerstone, the Black Stone. Pilgrims may drink from the well of Zamzam. Its water of Zamzam is believed to have special properties. Few pilgrims return from the Hajj without a large plastic bottle of Zamzam water.
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Mecca ... attracted a year-round population of scholars, pious Muslims who wished to live close to the Kaaba, and local inhabitants who served the pilgrims. Due to the difficulty and expense of the Hajj, pilgrims arrived by boat at Jeddah, and came overland, or joined the annual caravans from Syria or Iraq.
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In addition, a pilgrimage to Mecca is required of every Muslim who can afford it as one of the Five Pillars of the faith. Every year about three million gather for the major pilgrimage, or Hajj, during the Muslim month of Dhu'l-Hijja, and many more perform the minor pilgrimage, or Umrah, at various times throughout the year.
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During the 1st day of Hajj, pilgrims must spend the day at Mecca and perform the ritual called "Tawaf". They are required to turn seven times around the Ka’ba and try to touch and even kiss the black stone. Kissing the stone is considered a blessing, privilege and honor. Pushing, shoving and elbowing their way, strong pilgrims can reach their goal, but weaker ones are cast out or even stepped on and crushed under the feet of others who are trying to get near the stone. The bodies of those who die in that ritual are to be immediately buried. According to Muslims, this is not barbaric torture, but a sacrifice "Jihad" for the sake of Allah.
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