The biggest of Dakhlas is that of Abu Bakar Bin Salem, which is held on the pilgrim's last day. During Dakhla, people bathe at a rivulet near the Houd Village. They then visit a well, mentioned in the Holy Quran, situated in the middle of the village. Seasonal Village Houd Village is not inhabited all year round. It is a seasonal village, so to speak.
People only live in it during the five-day pilgrimage.
Oldest Shrine Sheikh Salem Bin Abdullah Al-Shateri, one of a several revered scholars who preach to the faithful, said that Houd's shrine is probably the oldest shrine in the world, which people still visit. It also mentioned in the Quran that Alexander the Great visited the place with his army. All other Arab historians agree that Houd's shrine have been visited since time immemorial. Newsletter Opinion Poll Copyright 1997-98 Yemen Times. All rights reserved.