Haj Promotes Tolerance, Confirms Harvard Study (AN)

Arab News

Jeddah, 06/05/2008

A study of Hajis has found that the Haj promotes tolerance among pilgrims and does not lead to an increase in negative attitudes toward the West.

The study by Harvard Kennedy School in the US entitled “Estimating the Impact of the Haj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam’s Global Gathering” has found confirmation that the annual pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah, which acts as a powerful force for the unification of Muslims everywhere, does not encourage anti-Western sentiment; rather it promotes a tolerant attitude among Hajis toward other religions and cultures.

• Click here to read article.