Speech in Meeting with Hojjatoleslam Reyshahri, Clergy, Officials, and Inspectors of Hajj Caravans

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I also sincerely thank all the brothers and sisters who worked hard in preparing for this year's Hajj, the executive officials in various sectors and departments, especially Mr. Reyshahri, who worked hard and pursued this great task and provided the means for this dear and esteemed nation's Hajj this year. God willing, divine gratitude and acceptance by the sacred essence of the Lord will be achieved when this great ceremony is conducted in a manner that pleases Him and with the orientation that Islam has outlined for us and our dear Imam has renewed.

It is everyone's duty to strive to make Hajj a source of honor for Islam, and especially for us Iranians, a source of honor for the Imam. All the believing brothers and sisters who go to Hajj should not consider it a completely personal matter. Sometimes an act of worship and obligation is upon someone, they go, perform it, and return; but the issue is not just this; this is part of the issue.

Each of our pilgrims who perform Hajj from Iran this year is part of a great movement and a major global, Islamic, revolutionary, political, and devotional task; they must consider themselves part of this whole and act accordingly. Therefore, the necessity of this feeling is that everyone should be mindful of their behavior. In ethics, in interactions with Muslims from other countries, in behavior, at home, on the way, in the sanctuary, during the performance of rituals—wherever they are—they should conduct themselves in a manner that brings honor to Islam, the revolution, and the Imam.

Everyone must observe these points; however, the more one moves towards greater responsibility and knowledge—which applies to brothers and sisters like you—the more they must observe. Some habits among people should be reduced and overshadowed by the aspect of Hajj. We do not say that some purchases should be completely stopped, but they should be to an extent that does not affect the dignity of our revolutionary society and great nation.

We hope that, God willing, this journey will be under the attention and consideration of His Holiness the Imam of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him). All of you, whether there or during the performance of rituals, may be included in the favors of that great one and benefit, and God willing, return with accepted divine deeds.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings