Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5. Visit Mecca. Muslims who can afford it and who are physically able are expected
to go on a pilgrimage
(Hajj)
to the sacred sites in Mecca and Medina at least once in
their lifetime. This is interpreted by some Muslims as a command to travel. My favor-
ite Muhammad quote: “Don't tell me how educated you are; tell me how much you've
traveled.”
The Islamic equivalent of the Christian bell tower is a minaret, which the muezzin tradi-
tionally climbs to sing the call to prayer. While traditionally minarets were grand (as pic-
tured here), in a kind of architectural Darwinism, they are shrinking. As calls to prayer
are now electronically amplified, the muezzin sings into a mic at ground level, and the
minaret's height is no longer necessary or worth the expense. Many small, modern
mosques have one mini-minaret about as awe-inspiring as your little toe.
