A pilgrimage in the footsteps of Mohammed
- 10 years ago
Among the the devout, al-Noor Mountain in Saudi Arabia, is known as the Mountain of Light.
Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed found enlightenment here, in a refuge called Hira cave, where he was visited by the Angel Gabriel and
began to experience Koranic revelations.
Young and old follow in the prophet's footsteps, a journey they say is very easy now but must have been extremely difficult for Mohammed.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI PILGRIM, ODAI, SAYING:
"How difficult is it going up? Now to reach this place it's much easier. There are cars to cover a quarter of the distance, then you continue walking and there are steps. How did the Prophet arrive here in those days (in the past)?"
...Once at the cave, the faithful pray facing Mecca, where not far away, millions are convening for the annual haj pilgrimage -
...one of many rituals in a journey regarded as the Muslim faith's greatest act of worship.
Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed found enlightenment here, in a refuge called Hira cave, where he was visited by the Angel Gabriel and
began to experience Koranic revelations.
Young and old follow in the prophet's footsteps, a journey they say is very easy now but must have been extremely difficult for Mohammed.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI PILGRIM, ODAI, SAYING:
"How difficult is it going up? Now to reach this place it's much easier. There are cars to cover a quarter of the distance, then you continue walking and there are steps. How did the Prophet arrive here in those days (in the past)?"
...Once at the cave, the faithful pray facing Mecca, where not far away, millions are convening for the annual haj pilgrimage -
...one of many rituals in a journey regarded as the Muslim faith's greatest act of worship.