Impact of pilgrimage ripples far beyond Saudi desert Crowds of pilgrims perform the Hajj Muslims come in all shapes and sizes. When CNN first covered the Hajj in April 1998, it was watched avidly across the globe, including the United States. The huge amount of feedback was remarkable in itself, but it also focused largely on people's surprise at learning about the Muslim pilgrimage and what it involves. The fact that the coverage didn't involve religious strife, social violence or outright terrorism pleased Muslims, and perhaps changed negative opinions that some non- Muslims held. The importance of education can't be put into words.
Education has an effect beyond just providing facts and figures.
It helps to shape opinion and beliefs based on accurate information, not old prejudices and unfortunate stereotypes. The Hajj itself is supposed to be an education. A look at the diversity within Islam and the world's perceptions of the religion. A Muslim is expected to do the pilgrimage at least once, if physically and financially able, so many of the faithful make it their lifetime goal. In fact, in some small, poor villages in Asia and Africa, the community pools its meagre resources together so that at least one respected elder can go to Mecca to visit the heart of Islam.