Alkadba

Al-kadba a term used by Mohammedans to denote the visit of consummation or accomplishment and pilgrimage to Mecca which Mohammed and his followers performed in the seventh year of the Hegira. At the distance of six miles from the town they all took an oath to perform religiously all the ceremonies and rites prescribed in that visit. Leaving their arms and baggage outside, they entered the holy city in triumph, devoutly kissed the Black Stone in the Kaaba, and went seven times round the temple. The first three rounds they went running, jumping, and shaking their shoulders, to show that they were still vigorous after their journey; the other four rounds they walked, so as not to exhaust themselves. This custom is still observed by the Moslems making pilgrimages to Mecca. Having finished their seven rounds, prayer was proclaimed, and the prophet, mounted on a camel, rode seven times between two hills, in which at that time were to be seen two idols of the Koreishites. The whole concluded with a sacrifice of seventy camels, and the Mussulmans shaved themselves.