A new series on Britain's Channel 4 explores the wonders and essence of the soul-searching journey of hajj through the eyes of six Muslims from different parts of the world, shattering common myths on Muslims and their much- stereotyped faith.

"We wanted to make a series about the idea of prayer and pilgrimage for normal Muslims," Faris Kermani, director of Channel 4's new series "The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World," told the Telegraph on Monday, July 14.

The week-long series, which starts Monday, travels all the way to the holy city of Makkah, following six Muslims from around the world, all have one dream: to perform hajj.

A 10-minute episode follows each of the pilgrims, who come from Spain, Palestine, Pakistan, Turkey, Mali and Iran, to show how he lives and the way he prays and worships.

The six short films then culminate in a 90-minute documentary that combines their hajj experiences.

"What's appealing about them is that they are ordinary Muslims, not necessarily people who say their prayers five times a day and have a beard," said Kermani.

"They are middle of the road, ordinary Joes, and when the emotion of religion comes through, their being normal people makes it all the more powerful."

The program organizers hope it will give a rare insight into the ultimate spiritual experience of hajj, whether for Muslims or non-Muslims.

Source: http://www.islamonline.com/