Forbidding the pilgrimage for one year means the disappointing of seventy
thousand people, and it is thought that the Moslems may rebel against the
Sultan's decree.

Even if they thought that the pilgrimage might spread the fearful plague,
and kill the millions of people who do not believe in the prophet
Mohammed, they would persist in going, thinking they would in that way be
doing a great work for their religion.

The Sultan has therefore this very difficult matter to deal with, and
while Europe is wondering what to do with him, he is showing that after
all he has a great deal of courage and common sense.

The pilgrimage is made to Mecca to perform there certain religious rites,
but particularly to visit the Great Mosque, or Temple, to pass around the
Kaaba, and to kiss the sacred Black Stone.

The Kaaba is the most sacred shrine or altar of the Mohammedans. It was in
existence before Mohammed was born, in 570 A.D., and was a place of
worship even then.

In one corner of it is the sacred stone, which the Moslems believe was
brought down from heaven by the angel Gabriel, and given by him to Abraham
to make the corner-stone of the Kaaba.

They believe that the stone was originally a ruby, but that the tears
which the pilgrims have shed over it for their sins have turned it quite
black.

The sacred black stone was broken in the year 683, and the pieces are