Al Astar: Slipcase Set (Arabic Edition)

The Mosque in Mecca, which surrounds the central Kaba, is Islam's holiest site. The Kaba was built on the site of a pre-Islamic temple. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed, and the city has grown over the centuries. The Kaba is a symbol of unity and is draped in a black cloth known as Al Astar to protect its modesty. Saudi photographer Adel Alquraishi has been allowed to photograph the Kaba in its undraped state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 540 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: ASTAR Publishing

The Mosque in Mecca, which is centered on the revered Kaba, holds the utmost importance in Islam. Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed, holds a special significance in Islamic history. The construction of the Kaba took place on the site of an ancient temple from a pre-Islamic era. Over the centuries, Mecca, like its counterpart, Madinah, has experienced growth and development, where the Prophet passed away in the seventh century. Today, Mecca can accommodate tens of thousands of pilgrims on a single day, drawing visitors from across the globe to its sacred grounds. The annual Hajj, a pilgrimage that takes place every year, is a pivotal moment in Islamic spiritual life, with pilgrims journeying to Mecca to visit the Kaba. The Kaba, a symbol of unity and simplicity, stands as a remarkable architectural masterpiece. It consists of a single door and embodies the highest level of geometrical elegance. Interestingly, the Kaba is often regarded as feminine in gender and is draped in a black cloth known as Al Astar to maintain its modesty. This cloth, intricately woven with gold, undergoes a special ceremony every year, where it is replaced with a new one. On this auspicious day, the Kaba is left exposed and unveiled, allowing visitors to marvel at its majestic beauty. Adel Alquraishi, a renowned Saudi photographer from Riyadh, has established a strong reputation with the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca through his previous work on the Guardians of the Mosque in Madinah. His book, published in 2020 as The Guardians, showcased his exceptional talent in capturing the essence of this magnificent structure. In parallel with his remarkable book, the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca have granted Adel Alquraishi the privilege of photographing the Kaba in its undraped state. This extraordinary opportunity allows Alquraishi to present a unique perspective of the revered Kaba, capturing its raw beauty and spiritual significance. Through his photographs, Alquraishi invites viewers to explore the profound connection between the Kaba and the Islamic faith, emphasizing the importance of this sacred site in the hearts of millions of Muslims worldwide.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 370 x 280 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786039144625