The pilgrimage is a test of their bodies and souls, aiming not simply to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam but, also, to demonstrate their love for God.
Inside Mecca starts with shots of three individuals: Malaysian Ismail Mahbob, a successful executive; a religious radio commentator from rural South Africa, Khalil Mandhlazi; and an Irish-born college professor from the United States, Fidelma O’Leary. Beginning with their preparations at home, it leads up to the events of the Hajj, where all have to leave their material comforts and family, as well as job or business behind for this spiritual journey to Makkah and from where, they would return to their normal lives, but not as the same persons.
Inside Mecca is a rich documentary, describing in great detail the reasons why Muslims embark on such a mission to turn to their Creator, the Almighty Allah, by following the footsteps of the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) in performing the Sa‘i. The documentary is also rich with vivid images on how Muslims circumambulate the House of Allah, the Ka‘bah; in the Tawaf which has been performed by so many since Adam (Peace and blessings be upon him) built the Ka‘bah itself. It also describes the powerful meaning of throwing stones at the symbols of Satan, which Fidelma said was a strong moment of expiating one’s own sins, and that she had no problems with the concept of throwing the stones.
“Inside Mecca focuses on the personal stories of the hajj,” says Anisa Mehdi. “Through the various viewpoints and experiences of the participants, we follow not only their physical steps, but the spiritual and emotional stages of this all-important voyage. We want to show viewers around the world the remarkable experience of the hajj: that it is at once deeply personal and widely universal.”
For each, the journey presents a unique challenge. Mahbob, a successful Malaysian business executive, must leave behind his family and the material comforts to which he is accustomed in exchange for the austere lifestyle of a pilgrim. Mandhlazi, who takes to the radio each week to bring the teachings of Islam to his fellow South Africans, seeks a chance to see an ideal world of Islam in action, yet finds that even Mecca is not free from economic and racial discord.
Perhaps the most striking story is that of O’Leary. A green-eyed blonde with a barely noticeable Irish lilt, she hardly looks the part of the stereotypical Muslim. Born in Ireland to a devout Catholic family, O’Leary converted to Islam while in college. Now, she embarks on hajj having fully embraced the faith, but encounters moments where it seems her fellow pilgrims have difficulty accepting her as a peer.
“I had some women in my group try to tell me what it’s like to be a Muslim and ask me, ‘Are you really Muslim?’” said O’Leary, “I think they forgot for a moment that you can only be here if you’re Muslim. It gets a little bit tiresome day after day. It can be upsetting.”
The one-hour National Geographic documentary has not been limited to TV screening alone. It has been viewed by different audiences alike in synagogues, churches, and schools. The entire documentary can be viewed on You Tube.
Having had 20 years of film-making and journalistic experience in covering Muslims worldwide, Mehdi says, “After 9/11, it was important for Americans to know more about Islam.” Having visited Makkah on four previous accounts, she wanted to have more access at the site to share with the audience, information that they would not receive from reporting only. “Shooting with my own camera would have been a disaster,” Mehdi explained.
In recent years, entry has been granted to foreign channels. Mehdi was granted special access at the making of the Kiswa, a black cloth embroidered with gold-plated letters wrapped around the Ka‘bah . Mehdi has been criticized for depicting images in her documentary of Prophet Abraham, whose sacrifice is retold with slight variations in Judaism and Islam. The director explained that images create a common understanding and interest among audiences from different backgrounds. “This is TV, we require images. We cannot tell a story without images. There is no written prohibition on representing literature.”
One of the images presented in the documentary depicts Prophet Abraham’s submission to God. It portrays the Prophet holding a knife and about to cut his son’s throat when he receives a revelation from God.
While the use of photography for educational purpose is not prohibited, Islam forbids the depiction of prophets as it may lead to idolatry or shirk.
“Islam isn’t about Arabs,” Mehdi stressed during the discussion forum. This message is also reflected in the score accompanying the documentary. American composer Steve Dancz chose melodies from the Far East, conveying that Islam is a religion embraced by many around the world.