Appropriating Hajj as an Effective Peacebuilding Avenue Among Muslims in Ghana

Abstract

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam; and even though it is primarily a spiritual endeavour, its main objective is to make its participants peacebuilders when they return to their communities. This paper seeks to explore Hajj values for potential peacebuilding among Muslims in Ghana. The paper is an analysis of a qualitative study which utilized survey questionnaires; in-depth interviews; and participant observation as the main research techniques to collect data. The study found among other things that critical values of peacebuilding such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and good relationships are inherent in the performance of Hajj; and that Ghanaian Muslims who are passionate about Hajj can leverage these values to build peace among themselves and within communities in which they live. The study concludes that the Ghana Hajj Board can use its Hajj village concept to instill peacebuilding values in Muslims who participate in it annually.