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Thanks for that TRock. I see some of the parallels you were talking about. That was some interesting material. When I watched the first video, of the circumambulating, the first thought was idolatry.
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You're welcome Sir, the same thought crossed my mind too...
The similarities between the pagan rituals (star/stone worship) of the Harranians (Sabians) and the Mandaeans - performed at the City of Harran - which included praying five times a day as well as the ceremonial washing before each prayer, is virtually the same Islamic ritual as practiced by Muslims today.
Originally, the Quraish neglected the Ka'ba of Mecca and participated in the Hajj to the Ka'ba of Ta'if.
What's interesting as well, is the similarities between the Ka'ba of Mecca and the Ka'ba of Ta’if, or the Ka'ba of Ellat, also known as the Ka'ba of the Sun, which is significantly older than the Ka'ba of Mecca. The Arabs of Quraish, from which Muhammed came, venerated this Ka'ba. The Istar ( استار ) of the Ka'ba of Ellat (Ta'if), also covered sacred stones, similar to what is found at the Ka'ba of Mecca today.
The pre-Islamic Ka'ba of Ta'if (Ellat) had a large "Black Stone" containing mystical powers in which the people of Ta'if circled, just like the current day Ka'ba and "Black Stone" of Mecca...
There's something about the stones...
The following book gives great detail regarding magical "Black Stones" and other ancient rituals:
http://www.amazon.com/Islam-Light-Hi...7371823&sr=8-1