Review of the Meaning of Mecca by M.E. McMillan (original) (raw)

The review discusses M.E. McMillan's "The Meaning of Mecca: The Politics of Pilgrimage in Early Islam," which addresses the historical significance of the Hajj in the early Islamic period. The work explores the relationship between the political authority of caliphs and the implications of the pilgrimage, examining how it symbolized both spiritual and temporal power. Through a chronological approach, McMillan provides insights into the development of pilgrimage rites and the impact of various Umayyad caliphs, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the Hajj's role in shaping Islamic authority.