The Role of Pilgrimage Rites in the Improvement of Behavior and Reduction of Abnormalities

One of the important subjects of speculation in psychology of religion is the role of religion and religiosity in man's life. The role and influence which hajj (pilgrimage), which represents one of examples and symbols of Islam, has on man's psychological aspects (i.e. cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) is one of the issues worthy of research. The exposition of the effects and benefits of abiding by religious doctrines, including pilgrimage rites, makes the idea of defending religion and religiosity more appealing and acceptable. Attempting to study the role of one of the religious doctrines -- i.e. pilgrimage -- in the improvement of behavior and the reduction of abnormalities, the present paper analyzes pilgrimage rites and their effects on the pilgrim's behavioral aspect. The research uses descriptive-analytic method and the research is based on Islamic resources and psychological findings. Pilgrimage rites prepare good grounds for pilgrims to developa feeling of love and affection for others. Intimacy and sympathy characterize this spiritual and devotional journey in which pilgrims give up many abnormal and undesirable behaviors, keep their self-control and try to strengthen their self-control by abiding by the pilgrimage patterns.