Hajj and Its Impact on International Relations

Abstract: Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage) is not only the world’s largest transnational religious movement, but also the only one in the world explicitly listed as one of the religious pillars of the Islamic faith. Viewing hajj within the context of Islam’s continued global territorial expansion of the faith from the perspective of international relations is of great benefit to a better understanding of Islam and its participation in international relations. The total institution of hajj is composed of basic institutions and different countries’ management institutions. The two holy cities are the cornerstones in Saudi Arabia’s construction of an Islamic international system. Hajj also has impacts on many specific areas of international relations. In the long run, realizing the interaction of hajj and international relations is very important for China’s national security.