"During the 10th century, people routinely journeyed from one end of the huge Arab empire to the other--and even into non-Islamic lands far into the north and east. Who were these travelers, what did they seek? This program captures what it was like to be a pilgrim in a caravan bound for Mecca, an official carrying out the Caliph's orders, a scholar seeking knowledge, a merchant in search of new markets, and an explorer charting the seas. Some of...

Every year, millions of Muslims journey to Mecca to take part in the Hajj, the fifth pillar of faith-a sacred duty that transcends race, nationality, and even time. This program captures the day-by-day events of one such pilgrimage, including the ritual of tawaf, the performance of wuquf on Mt. Rahmah, the overnight stay at Muzdalifah, the symbolic stoning of the Devil in the valley of Mina, and the festival of sacrifice. A detailed historical background...