Hashim Attas

LBST 2101
Professor Penkava
April 22, 2014
An Observation of The Documentary: Inside Mecca
For this paper I will be writing about the observations and reflections, which occurred
to me during the viewing of the National Geographic documentary: Inside Mecca, which
was released in 2003. The synopsis of the film is that if follows the journey of three
Muslims who embark on their pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj. Hajj is performed by
millions of Muslims who take off from many parts of the world so they can end up at the
epicenter of Mecca. One of the highlights of Mecca is the Kaaba, or the Sacred House,
which is what it is commonly known as (Around The Kabba). This is only of many ritual
involving Rajj, and must be performed by all Muslims at least once in their lifetime.
The story begins with the introduction of three very diverse characters who are all
Islamic, but from very different parts of the world. It is a story about finding and
affirming inner spirituality, accomplishing goals and overcoming hardships. The first
character, the woman doctor from Texas states how she found Muslim, as if it were a
calling. Its interesting because she completely defies what society has taught us as far
as what a Muslim is supposed to look like. I applaud her courage for taking the initiative
and being so forthright about her beliefs. The second person to be depicted is a jovial
and brash South African. He seems more like an fervent evangelist who seems to be
embarking out of a holy obligation than anything else. Lastly, the documentary travels
to Malaysia. He is affluent but seems to be approaching this more like a vacation than a
spiritual crusade.
Its amazing how long this pilgrimage has been occurring and the sheer amount
of people who make the journey on a yearly basis. What is also interesting is how
difficult it is to even get approved to attend, as well as the amount of preparations
required so one knows how to properly conduct the rituals of Hajj. The amount of detail
that goes into this ceremony is rich in tradition and history, for which I can respect.
However, it seems a bit gaudy how they use gold plated thread to weave that tapestry,
and do so every year. That seems counter intuitive in that this is a holy place, one
where materialism should be completely left out.
I think it is fascinating that millions of people do this every year. The three
people used as subjects for the film all take quite different paths to end of Mecca. Each
with its equal amount of hardships attributed to the journey. But in the end they all end
up there. The three subjects come from different economic classes as well, but what is
interesting is that they all walk away with similar experiences.
Once inside Mecca they start to show all of the interesting rituals going on.
People stoning the three pillars while saying prayers, shaving their heads as a sign of
humility, walking counter clockwise 7 times around the Kaaba. Remember that millions
of people are here doing this so there is a sense of hive mind, and herding. It seems
tense, yet exciting. The only ritual I did not really like was the sheep butchering (or
sacrifice) as they say in the documentary. They kill so many animals, that it is pretty
disturbing.
I think a big part of the experience stems from simply taking the leap of faith and
going on the expedition. I think at first they feel a semblance of individual pride and
maybe ego for doing this, but once in Mecca, the doctor from Texas exclaims that
suddenly you are in a sea of a million people and you do not feel so individually
important. The executive from Malaysia comes away feeling refreshed and as if he had
a clean slate. If it took that to make him feel good, than that is his prerogative. The
gentleman from South Africa leave Mecca with a sense of unity and pride. He states he
was tested but his faith was restored after attending Hajj and walking around the Kaaba.
In closing I can appreciate what they go through, but Christians repent their sins every
Sunday, and they do not have to go such lengths as Muslims. It seems like a big party,
and a bit dangerous, but I am happy that they have such a wonderful place to go to
















Works Cited
"Footnotes." Around the Kaaba. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.
<http://www.islamfrominside.com/Pages/Articles/AroundtheKabba.html>.