Acc Art Books The Pilgrims’ Companion: The Khalili Anis al-Hujjaj

Beautifully produced with extensive illustrations throughout from the vast holdings of Islamic art from the Khalili Collections A ground-breaking translation with scholarly introduction, making a rare historical pilgrimage guide accessible to contemporary readers Offers authentic advice on all aspects of 17th-century pilgrimage – from ship selection and health maintenance to rituals and social encounters Appeals to history enthusiasts, art lovers, Islamic studies scholars, and travel literature fans alike with its unique blend of spiritual guidance, vivid storytelling, and rare glimpses into 17th-century Indian Ocean trade networks and social customs The Khalili Anīs al-Hujjāj (Pilgrims' Companion) presents a ground-breaking new exploration of Safi ibn Vali Qazwini's richly illustrated manuscript dating from 1676-77. This beautifully produced volume, with a scholarly introduction by Qaisra M. Khan and translation by Michael Burns, documents the author's year-long journey to Mecca and Medina from Mughal India via the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Commissioned by Zeb un-Nisa, the daughter of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, this delightfully vivid account belongs to a long-established tradition of guides to the Holy Sanctuaries. It gives comprehensive advice to prospective pilgrims on every aspect of the maritime journey, such as which ships to select, the best foods to consume, rituals to observe, significant places to visit and the people one might encounter. This volume extensively explores the original manuscript's detailed illustrations and text, providing an invaluable window into 17th-century religious practices, maritime travel, and the cultural landscape of the Indian Ocean world.