The first picture is a magnet in the shape of a cube with iron fillings scattered around it. The magnetic field causes the iron fillings to arrange themselves into that pattern.

"We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" - [41:53]

This photogravure etching by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater called "Magnetism" uses iron filings to depict pilgrims circling around the Kaaba in Mecca. It is on display during an exhbition entitled "Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam" at the British Museum in London.
Picture: BRITISH MUSEUM / AHMED MATER / AFP/Getty