Dr Sean McLoughlin and a team of research assistants from the School of Theology & Religious Studies have contributed to the British Museum exhibition "Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam".

During October and November 2011, 40 in-depth interviews were conducted with British Muslims of diverse backgrounds in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Leeds and Greater Manchester.

The majority of interviews were with pilgrims but several Hajj tour operators, tour guides, Islamic scholars, pilgrim welfare organisations and a trading standards officer were also included.

The research focused on:

  • the circumstances of deciding to go for Hajj, and making preparations to travel
  • the religious significance of performing the various rituals
  • the overall experience and impact of travelling to the Holy Places, including what it means to be a Hajji today

The British Museum exhibition opened on 26 January and will run until 15 April 2012.

An online survey, "How was your Hajj?", will run until the exhibition closes.  British Muslims who have been for Hajj can complete the survey at www.leeds.ac.uk/hajj