Khaleej Times reports on a study of how attitudes change among people performing the pilgrimage to Mecca. According to the study conducted by the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, among Pakistanis returning from Haj, returnees come back with greater tolerance for difference, including the view of women as more important parts of society. This runs contrary to the initial expectation that Haj would serve as a locus of antipathy toward ‘the other’.

I don’t find this surprising, actually. The Haj puts millions of Muslims, of varying Muslim traditions, together in one place at one time. While differences—nationality, sex, color, sect—might create friction (and political activism assuredly does do so), the compelling nature of religious duty avoids this. It seems to rub off on Meccawis, as well, for many natives of Mecca are among the most ‘liberal’ Saudis I know.

You can download the Kennedy School working paper [46-page PDF].

Haj promotes peace, coexistence: study
Habib Shaikh

JEDDAH — Haj promotes understanding and peaceful coexistence, according to a study on the long-term effects of performing the annual pilgrimage.

Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims are expected to perform at least once in their lives if they have the means to do so, physically and financially.

The research findings were published last month. Titled ‘Estimating the Impact of the Haj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam’s Global Gathering’, the study was conducted by David Clingingsmith, Asim Ijaz Khwaja and Michael Kremer at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in the United States.

It was based on data from over 1,600 applicants to Pakistan’s Haj visa allocation lottery in 2006. The study said that Haj increases belief in equality and harmony among people and leads to more favourable attitudes towards women, including greater acceptance of female education and employment.

It stressed that increased unity within the Islamic world is not accompanied by antipathy towards non-Muslims, but develops a tolerant attitude among Hajis towards other religions and cultures.
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