Published: 2 February, 2012

Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam, which opened at the British Museum last week, is the first major exhibition dedicated to the pilgrimage to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is central to the Muslim faith.

The exhibition examines the significance of the Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and looks at how this spiritual journey has evolved throughout history.

Organised in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, the exhibition covers three key strands: the pilgrim’s journey – with an emphasis on the major routes used across time; the Hajj today – its associated rituals and what the experience means to the pilgrim; and Mecca – the destination of Hajj, its origins and importance.

It is laid down in the Qur’an that it is a sacred duty for Muslims everywhere, if they are able, to make the journey to Mecca at least once.

This pilgrimage takes place during the last month of the Islamic year, known as Dhu’l Hijja.

At the heart of the sanctuary at Mecca lies the Ka’ba, the cube-shaped building that Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael.

It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations in the early 7th century, and therefore the city has long been viewed as a spiritual centre and the heart of Islam.

The Hajj remains a powerful religious undertaking which draws Muslims together from all over the world, irrespective of nationality or sect.

Loans to the exhibition include significant material from Saudi Arabia including a seetanah which covers the door of the Ka’ba.

Other objects come from public and private collections in the UK and around the world, among them the British Library and the Khalili Family Trust.

The objects document the long and perilous journey associated with the pilgrimage, gifts offered to the sanctuary as acts of devotion and the souvenirs that are brought back, including manuscripts, archaeological material, textiles, photographs and contemporary art.

The Hajj has a deep emotional and spiritual significance for Muslims, inspiring personal, literary and artistic responses, many of which are explored in the exhibition.

• Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, is in the Reading Room of the British Museum until April 15, 10am-5.30pm Saturday to Thursday, 10am-8.30pm Fridays. Admission £12, children under 16 free, concessions available. 020 7323 8181, www.britishmuseum.org/hajj