The British Museum's new exhibition tells the story of the ritual pilgrimage to Mecca which forms one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a journey Muslims must make at least once in their lifetime.

Last year over 3 million people travelled by various well-trodden routes to the spiritual centre in Saudi Arabia where the Prophet Muhammad first received revelations in the 7th century. The display adds to the current experience by tracing the historical importance of Mecca with the Ka’ba at its heart, and the journey pilgrims have taken for centuries to pray there.

The exhibition includes a variety of objects from all over the world, including manuscript maps and exquisite textiles. Click through the images in the slideshow above to see some examples.

Hajj: Journey to the Centre of Islam is at the British Museum, London until 15th April 2012

• More on the history of Islam