May 04, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 27, 1429

NEW YORK, May 3: A study on the long-term effects of performing Haj has found that Muslim communities become more open in many ways after the experience.

The study, published by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government says: “Haj increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favourable attitudes toward women, including greater acceptance of female education and employment.”

Entitled ‘‘Estimating the Impact of the Haj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam’s Global Gathering’’, the study also found that the Haj experience promotes peaceful coexistence.

“Increased unity within the Islamic world is not accompanied by antipathy toward non-Muslims,” stressed the Harvard study, adding that “Hajis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different religions.”

The researchers interviewed about 1,200 Pakistani Haj pilgrims as part of Study.