The Hajj strengthens pan-Muslim identity and boosts cross-national trade networks

Evidence

Every year at least 2 million Muslims from around the world complete the pilgrimage to Mecca, or the Hajj. Pilgrims, or Hajji, benefit from an increased sense of unity with other Muslims, and it strengthens their common Muslim identity despite diverse national and ethnic backgrounds (Clingingsmith, Khwaja, & Kremer, 2009). The Hajj has historically also increased trade opportunities across the Muslim world and fostered the exchange of economic and scientific ideas (Bose, 2006; Clingingsmith et al., 2009). — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 901