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The Importance of Pilgrimage to Muslim Americans

Dec. 4, 2008

The Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, takes place in early December this year. Every able-bodied Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime, and the Hajj attracts millions of believers every year. The Pew Research Center's 2007 Muslim American survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. Muslims say that taking a pilgrimage to Mecca is very important to them.

For more statistics on the beliefs and practices of American Muslims, see the full survey report (PDF).

Data: Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream

More Resources

Pew Forum Oct. 30, 2007 Report: Muslims Distrust Westerners More Than Vice Versa July 7, 2007 Report: How Muslims Compare With Other Religious Americans July 26, 2005 Report: Views of Muslim-Americans Hold Steady After London Bombings

News Dec. 3, 2008 Palestinians' Rift Prevents Gazans From Traveling to Mecca The New York Times May 20, 2008 Analysis: Mecca and moderation The International Herald Tribune Dec. 13, 2007 Ahmadinejad's Hajj More than Religious Middle East Times

Blogs Nov. 29, 2008 Court In Kashmir Says Hajj Travel Is Protected Fundamental Right Religion Clause Nov. 20, 2008 Hajj Pilgrims: Know Your Rights, Responsibilities as Airline Passengers Engage Minnesota Nov. 16, 2008 Hajj: Death, God & American Commanders New York Times' Baghdad Bureau

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