German television presenter Kristiane Backer, author of ‘From MTV to Mecca: How Islam Inspired My Life,’ performed this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, saying that an interest in Islamic culture and art had set her on the path for Makkah.
Backer was hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information.
She expressed her astonishment and admiration for the tremendous efforts she witnessed being invested at holy sites by Saudi servicemen and youth to aid millions of Hajj pilgrims.
Backer tells the tale of how she converted to Islam in 1995, calling it a new life. She went on describing tedious and increasing efforts she spent in studying Islamic teachings, but above all referenced a great deal of help to her work in the field of modern art.
She says it helped her discover the impact left by Islamic civilization on arts and existing schools of literature.
After performing Umrah in 2001, and revisiting Madinah and performing her first pilgrimage in 2006, Backer wrote ‘From MTV to Mecca: How Islam Inspired My Life.’
The book’s chapters revolve around her life story and journey into Islam.
Citing her pilgrimage in 2006, Backer says that the situation now is quite different with development projects such as the establishment of bridges, up-to-date facilities and infrastructure.
She added that such projects have substantially improved the quality of services attending to pilgrims.
Backer reviewed her Hajj pilgrimage as one of serenity, wonder and appreciation, saying that watching the Holy Kaaba was a privilege and humbling.
She also expressed her admiration for Saudi youth working with sincerity and dedication to promote a safe and facilitated pilgrimage system.
