ABSTRACT
Islamic civilization in the Middle East had reached a prosperous and successful state. Developments in the Abbasid era were often seen by later Muslim thinkers as examples to be followed in their times, and many things that happened during this period had a lasting impact on Middle Eastern life in later centuries. Islam had evolved into a thriving and prevalent religion in the Middle East by the Abbasid era. A review of Muslim beliefs and practices established by then reveals a faith in full flower. One of the most meaningful of all the pillars is the requirement to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca on the hajj once in a lifetime. The rituals of the hajj are designed to remind Muslims why Mecca and the Kaaba are so important. The annual hajj pilgrimage has also had a political dimension for centuries. The Abbasid caliphate saw the elaboration of a structure to interpret and administer Islamic Holy Law.
