The Hajj

                                                                          The Hajj

          Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca to make the pilgrimage known as the hajj. All Muslims who are fit and financially able are expected to perform the hajj at least once. The pilgrimage begins on the eight day of Dhul Hijjah.  The mosque in mecca is uniquely special to Muslims. Also all the Muslims face in the direction of the Ka’aba when they pray five times a day. Before entering Mecca, pilgrims stop to perform cleansing rituals. Men shave their heads, trim their beard, cut their nails and wear white robes. Women also wear white long simple dress but uncover their faces. However, Pilgrims perform first, Tawaf seven times around the ka’aba. After that they also perform Sa’i. Pilgrims walk seven times between Safa and Marwah. On the first day of the hajj pilgrims travel to Mina. The next morning they travel to Arafat and in the evening they travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night. Then back to Mina to throw seven pebbles at each of the three statues at the Jamraat. Then they return to Mecca to Tawaf and journey. Then they return to Mina for three days. Finally back to Mecca and Tawaf around the Ka’aba. 

New Pearl Museum opens in RAK

New Pearl Museum opens in RAK

 

         There are two stories about precious pearl; first she is Bent Al Matar daughter of the rain, conceived when the oyster shell captured a single sweet drop of precipitation before mixing it with the salty sea. The other claims she is Bent Al Qamar, daughter of the moon, born during a full moon after the oyster swam to the water's surface and captured single dew from the silvery ray. Everything from the legends surrounding the pearl, its history as a treasure sought by merchants and monarchs across the world, its impact on the local culture and economy, and where it stands today in the modern world, can be found inside the new RAK Pearls Museum. This, historically known before as Julfar, was the capital of pearl trading and this is evident from old documents by European travelers and sailors. However, the museum's second floor is lined with displays of the world's famous pearls, and instruction on how to distinguish natural and cultured pearls. There are small, 10mm, white-and-beige Akoya pearls, and larger, black-lipped pearls (reaching 16mm).  Another type is the 11th-century Chinese technique. Last but not least is RAK's 12mm "Miracle of Arabia" pearl.