Al Astar: Slipcase Set (English Edition)

The Mosque in Mecca,the holiest site in Islam,is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. The Kaba,the central structure,was constructed on a site of a pre-Islamic temple. Mecca now accommodates tens of thousands of pilgrims daily. 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 was allowed to photograph the Kaba in its undraped state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 540 pages
Publication date: 05 May 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 considered 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 day, the Kaba is left exposed and unveiled, allowing visitors to appreciate its majestic beauty in its purest form.

Adel Alquraishi, a renowned Saudi photographer from Riyadh, has established a strong reputation with the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca through his work on "The Guardians of the Mosque in Madinah." Published in 2020, "The Guardians" showcased Adel Alquraishi's exceptional talent in capturing the essence of the Madinah mosque. In parallel with this remarkable book, the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca have granted Adel Alquraishi the privilege of photographing the Kaba, the heart of Islam, in its undraped state.

The opportunity to witness the Kaba in its raw and unadorned state is a rare and extraordinary experience. Adel Alquraishi's photographs provide a unique perspective on this revered site, allowing viewers to appreciate its architectural beauty and spiritual significance in a way that has never been seen before. Through his lens, Adel Alquraishi has captured the intricate details and profound symbolism of the Kaba, showcasing its timeless elegance and profound importance in Islamic history.

The photographs presented in this article offer a glimpse into the undraped state of the Kaba, providing a deeper understanding of its significance and beauty. The Kaba, with its single door and draped in black cloth, stands as a symbol of unity and modesty, representing the core of Islam's spiritual journey. Adel Alquraishi's photographs capture the essence of this sacred site, allowing viewers to connect with its spiritual power and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Mecca.

In conclusion, the Mosque in Mecca, centered on the revered Kaba, holds the utmost importance in Islam. Mecca's historical significance and its role as the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed make it a pilgrimage site of immense spiritual significance. The Kaba, a symbol of unity and simplicity, stands as a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Through the work of Adel Alquraishi, we are granted a rare glimpse into the undraped state of the Kaba, allowing us to appreciate its architectural beauty and spiritual significance in a way that has never been seen before.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 370 x 280 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9786039144656