AP Photo
April 2008
"Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering"
Working Paper
By Asim Khwaja, Faculty Affiliate, Middle East Initiative, David Clingingsmith and Michael Kremer
This working paper, co-authored by DI Faculty Affiliate Asim Khwaja, argues that the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca increases observance of global Islamic practices while decreasing participation in localized practices and beliefs. The authors' evidence suggests that these changes are more a result of exposure to and interaction with Hajjis from around the world, rather than religious instruction or a changed social role of pilgrims upon return.
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