"There was never a doubt that I must always look towards Mecca if I was to amount to anything worthwhile in this world." This statement, by Ziauddin Sardar, puts into perspective not just the importance of that holy spot in his life, but the reverence it inspires in the lives of millions the world over. It also explains why Sardar must have felt compelled to write a book like this; one that is equal parts,  memoir, travelogue and history.

Muslim pilgrims perform their fairwell circumambul-ation around Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca. PIC/AFP