As the days of Hajj once again draw near, Ibrahim of From Clay looks back on his experiences of the Holy City of Makkah:

There is something addictive about Makkah and its environs. I sensed it, a sliver of comprehension of what draws people to it. It is “home” in a primordial sense, no matter what race or former tradition a pilgrim comes from. This may rub people the wrong way, but there’s subtle “proof” in this rite and venue. Abstractions and platitudes take form. Real comes within reach.