Martin Lings (1909 - 2005), also known Abu Bakr Siraj Ad-Din, was an English writer and Islamic scholar. During the 1940s he taught at Cairo University, where he also converted to Islam in his late 20s. He returned to London in 1952, completing a bachelor’s in Arabic studies, followed by a doctorate from SOAS. He worked for the British Museum as a keeper, and later worked with the British Library. He has written several books, but his biography ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’ is one of his most well-known works.

Circling the House of God is a documentary in which Martin Lings shares his reflections and experiences of going on pilgrimage to Mecca in 1948 (with his wife) for the first time, and another time in 1976. The documentary gives an interesting insight into the pilgrimage before the onset ‘modernity’ of the 1970s. Produced and directed by Ovidio Salazar, it includes archival footage of the Hajj (pilgrimage to the Kaaba) from the 20th century. Lings narrates his experiences of travelling to Mecca (by ship the first time), the hajj itself, while also sharing historical details about the Kaaba. His first journey to Mecca is contrasted with his pilgrimage in 1976; here Lings recounts the drastic differences that have changed Mecca and the pilgrimage itself, including the architectural changes as well as the amount of people attending. Nevertheless, the spiritual experience remains unchanged. 

Running time: 35 mins