The Holy Cities, The Pilgrimage and The World of Islam

A History: From the earliest traditions till 1925 (1344H)

By Sultan Ghalib al-Quaiti

Fons Vitae (2007)

 As the sub-title states, the book covers the period from the time of Adam (A.S.) till the early part of the third Saudi State.  The pre-Islamic period is based mainly on Hadith (sayings/teachings of Prophet Mohammed S.A.W.), Sirah (history of the Prophet S.A.W.) and other Arab sources while the Islamic and post-Islamic periods can be collaborated from various sources.

It is a detailed study running into 552 pages, not counting the preface, introduction, appendices and notes.

It highlights the various Islamic empires and their relationships with the cities of Makkah and Madina and the restorations, renovations and improvements to the holy shrines that were undertaken by the rulers.  The fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the rise of Mustafa Kamal Pasha (Ataturk)are also discussed.

The book also discusses The Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, his teachings and legacy, and I must add that this is the first book in which I read, in some detail, about the ‘Qarmatians’ and the removal of the ‘Black Stone’(al-Hajar al-Aswad) from the Ka’aba.

The book also contains some old photographs and lists the names of all the rulers of the various dynasties in its appendices.

I found this book immensely informative and interesting, and would recommend it as a 'must read' to anybody interested in knowing and understanding the history of Makkah and Madina.