Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with Hajj Officials and Organizers

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

Dear and devoted brothers and sisters in service; welcome. We hope that Almighty God will accept these valuable services, which are directed towards one of the most important duties of Muslims, and assist you and bless your efforts so that, God willing, you can perform and revive this great and noble obligation in the best manner.

I consider it my duty to express gratitude and thanks to all those involved in Hajj, especially those who spend continuous hours throughout the year to help perform this obligation correctly. The efforts made to educate people and encourage them towards the correct Hajj and to prepare its preliminaries are truly valuable. I am particularly grateful to Mr. Reyshahri, may God preserve him, who has truly advanced and continued this work beautifully and well.

The obligation of Hajj is truly unparalleled. If we delve into all Islamic teachings, we will not find anything similar. Hajj has a special status, and its spiritual aspect is extraordinary. For example, consider a single prayer, which is a few minutes of remembrance of God. But Hajj, from the beginning of engaging in the related acts, which take place over several days—whether inside the House of God, in the noble Sa'i, in Arafat, in Mash'ar, in Mina, in various acts, in different circumambulations, in gatherings, and in moving from one point to another—is all remembrance of God. This is from the spiritual aspect, which shows that the remembrance of God in Hajj is a very significant element.

On the other hand, the worldly aspect and the aspect related to life in Hajj are also unparalleled. It is an obligation that is not only related to an individual or a nation but to the entire Islamic world. Almighty God has designated a point and at a known time—known days—invited all Muslims to that point. Could it be that all Muslims, not as a single group but in separate groups, and not at known times but throughout the year, gather at this point? This aspect of Hajj should receive more attention, as Almighty God did not merely intend for everyone to gather in Mecca, Mina, Mash'ar, and Arafat. If the movement of people to these areas was the main issue, it could have been arranged for everyone to gather there throughout the year. The fact that Almighty God has commanded the gathering of all Muslims at this point, and that too in a set of days, is for what reason? This is the essential and important point.

It is evident that such a gathering, with this quality, is so that the individuals of the Muslim community find themselves alongside each other. That is, they feel unity and congregation, and on a broader scale, the greatness resulting from the gathering of nations and peoples becomes dominant over all. If this feeling was not considered, there would be no need for the known and limited days to be set in Hajj.

And as for the Islamic nation—each nation of the Muslim nations—sending some of their own to a point on a certain day to gather together, what is this gathering for? These are the points and subtleties that, as Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "This and its likes are known from the Book of God," every Muslim should know from the Quranic and Islamic concepts.

Almighty God invites a group from all Muslim nations and tells them: Come in these known days, be together and with each other. "Then depart from where the people depart"—all move together. All depart together, and all perform the circumambulation together. What is this universal gathering for? Muslims from different parts of the world gather at one point to do what? Gather around and look at each other in silence and then return to their homelands after a few days?! Why do they gather? Do they gather to discuss their differences? What does this gathering mean? The answer is that the gathering of individuals from all nations at one point, and that too a sacred point, can only have one benefit and one meaning. That benefit and meaning is to gather together to decide on the fate of the Islamic nation and to take a good step in this assembly for the nation and to do something constructive and positive. How can this constructive and positive work be? In such a way that one time the Islamic nations are so advanced—we hope that day will come—that when they gather in Hajj, during this great people's congress, a detailed assembly of several thousand representatives of the nations is formed, and this assembly has resolutions, and those resolutions are approved by the pilgrims who have come from the countries in that great congress and then communicated to the governments and nations for implementation. This is the best work; unfortunately, today it is not feasible. Because the nations have not yet advanced enough in this regard; especially since the governments do not help them either. But until such decision-making is possible during the Hajj season, what is the obligatory work there? It is that the nations, in any way they can, show their attachment to the interests of the Islamic world and, while emphasizing unity among themselves, express disavowal from the enemies of the Islamic world. This is the least that can be done in the Hajj that Islam has specified and expected.

We have not brought disavowal from outside to insert it into Hajj. It is part of Hajj, the spirit of Hajj, and the real meaning of the great gathering of Hajj. Some people like to say in their publications and statements and their jabs around the world: "You have politicized Hajj." What does "politicized Hajj" mean?! If it means that we have inserted a political concept into Hajj, it must be said: Hajj has never been devoid of political concept. If someone does not see the political concept in Hajj, we must pray that God heals them so they can see! How can someone who is familiar with Islam and the verses of Hajj in the Quran and has realized the importance of unity not understand that this great gathering is for high political and divine-political purposes related to all Muslims and for unity and for solving the problems of the Islamic world and for the gathering of hearts and bringing them closer to each other?! If it means that "Hajj should not be a means for advancing the oppressive policies of the great powers," it is correct, and we agree. Those who are somehow connected to Hajj should not compromise this divine obligation and this duty beloved by Muslims with global policies. We do not accept this. Anyone who politicizes Hajj in this sense has betrayed Hajj. But the issues of the Islamic world are important issues. Where should these issues be raised? Where else can Muslims, other than in the Hajj ceremonies, make their united voice heard in protest against all the injustices that are happening to them around the world?

Look at what they are doing to Muslims in Europe today! The events of "Bosnia" and especially the recent events in "Gorazde" are truly tearful. One cannot find any description for the importance and magnitude of this tragedy! Whatever we say in words is smaller than that reality. The leaders of global arrogance in the world are sitting and watching the victim in front of them and waiting to see when this victim will be finished! This victim is the Muslims of the former "Yugoslavia." What is their crime? Being Muslim. This is no longer a subject for us to say. I wrote and mentioned this reality three years ago in the Hajj message. Although they denied it at that time, today the arrogant loudspeakers themselves say that "because they are Muslims, they should not be helped!" They have been forced to admit that "the crime of the people of Bosnia is being Muslim." Because in the heart of Europe, a Muslim nation has risen, arrogance has become angry. We do not say "an Islamic government"; because if Bosnia were to have a government, it was not clear that it would be a one hundred percent Islamic government in that form. After all, the people of this land have been under a communist government for nearly fifty years. Before that, for many years, they were under the corrupt rule of Ottoman rulers or the likes of them or some corrupt European governments and European empires like "Austria" and other countries. They could not create an Islamic and Quranic government overnight! This was not expected. What has angered the dominant arrogance over the world towards the oppressed Muslims of "Bosnia and Herzegovina" is the existence of a country in Europe whose people are Muslim. They cannot tolerate such a nation. This is the situation of Muslims in the world. Meanwhile, international organizations—and worse and uglier than all, the United Nations—have given the worst tests in this matter.

I say: The Secretary-General who is at the head of the United Nations today should know that he has created such a bad record for himself among Muslims that it will not be corrected at any price. Muslims around the world see what is happening in Bosnia. Therefore, at one point, they said: "Allow us to go and help them; because help is being given to the opposite side of the Bosnian Muslims." They said: "It is not possible." They said: "Allow us to send weapons for them." They said: "It is not possible." The apparent statement is that "we do not give weapons to any side." But one side of the conflict has all the military capabilities of the former Yugoslav government; the capabilities of the same government that supported Iraq militarily for many years and sent tanks and other weapons to it. Today, all those capabilities are in the hands of the Serbs. And one side is empty-handed. The defenseless people of a city. Women and children living in a city.

What does this statement mean that "we did not give weapons to any of the parties involved"? They deceive the world's opinions and say: "We do not help any side." One side is armed, and one side is unarmed, fighting each other. Instead of either taking the weapon from the armed side or giving the weapon to the unarmed side, you stand aside and say: "We do not help any side"! This statement means nothing other than that you are waiting to see when the poor unarmed side will fall to the ground? This is what it means! They are indeed waiting to see when the Muslims will fall.

They said: "We will send United Nations soldiers." Islamic nations said: "Allow us to also go as part of the United Nations soldiers there and act as a barrier." They said: "It is not possible." Not only from the Islamic Republic but from almost no Muslim country did they allow a barrier force to be sent there! What does this mean? It means that the soldiers they send there must be told: "When you go, help the Serbs." They cannot say this to a Muslim. Therefore, they do not allow a Muslim to go.

Today, such disgrace is ruling over the new system they want to establish in the world. That behavior of the Americans, those false promises regarding the issue of the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina, their absolute lack of help, and that behavior of international organizations and some European governments and Britain and others! Well; a number of Muslims are oppressed there and are waiting to see when they will be massacred! What should Muslims do in this regard? Is there any way other than Hajj? The factor that shakes the arrogant powers is "the masses of people," meaning the masses of people. Otherwise, a few governments sit in a conference held in some corner of the world and issue a resolution. They do not care! Even if they issue a hundred resolutions, it is useless. How many resolutions have been issued against the usurping Zionists so far? Meaning nothing; meaning air! Resolutions are of no use. The factor that truly frightens and stops the arrogant powers is the presence of the masses of nations. Where better than Hajj? Two million Muslims from all Islamic countries gather there. If you ask any of them "What is your feeling towards 'Gorazde'?" they will say: "I want to go to Gorazde and defend the oppressed Muslims there." Isn't it a pity that we lose this gathering?! Isn't it a pity that such a good gathering that can have so much blessing and save the lives of so many Muslims is lost?! Then, is this politicizing Hajj?!

When they object to the Islamic Republic, "Why have you politicized Hajj?" this is what it means. Disavowal means this. Disavowal means that people gather there and shout against the oppressors who come with ties and ironed clothes and cologne and kill people like the wildest of the wild, and also against those who support them and against those who make decisions in favor of them in international assemblies. This is the meaning of disavowal. Can Hajj be devoid of this?! Is Hajj without disavowal Hajj?! Those who are familiar with the Quran and Islam, answer! Answer fairly! The meaning of the statement of the Imam that "Hajj without disavowal is not Hajj" is this. Disavowal is part of Hajj and intertwined with the essence of Hajj.

The presence of Muslims in Hajj should be a meaningful presence. Otherwise, if only the spiritual aspect and remembrance of God were intended, a person could sit at home and remember God. Then "they come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they come from every distant pass" would not be necessary. If the gathering had no meaning, then "known days" would not be necessary. They would say: "Anyone who can, go to Mecca at any time of the year." Could it not be?! The fact that they said "gather in one place" is for these things. It is so that the remembrance of God is also said collectively. Holding fast to the rope of the Lord is also done collectively. He says: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together" and not "individually." This is the issue!

Of course, what others do in Hajj is not our concern. We must do what is our duty in Hajj, and by the grace of God, we do it. What others do regarding oppressed nations is not our concern. Of course, "it is not our concern" in the sense that if others do not help oppressed nations, we do not stop. Yes; we also strive. Just as, by God's grace, the government and officials have tried to perhaps encourage other nations to help the oppressed "Bosnians." If they are encouraged, so much the better! If not, we continue our help. Thanks be to God, until today, the various apparatuses of the Islamic Republic and the masses of people have not held back in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have come to the field well and must continue to come to the field. Today, the "Red Crescent" must do whatever it can to perhaps find the possibility to help the besieged oppressed with food and living necessities. The faithful armed youth—from the Guards, the Army, and the Basij—must declare readiness so that whenever they say there is no obstacle to going there and when the way is open, they can go. The revolution and the Imam taught us this. They taught us not to wait for others in fulfilling our duty. "Those who are guided will not be harmed by those who go astray." When you can be on the path of duty, be there; even if other nations are not; even if other governments do not allow it. The government and the nation of Iran, by God's grace, should be pioneers in fulfilling the Islamic duty; whatever that Islamic duty may be.

Of course, today I spoke about the atrocities of the former Yugoslavia; but it is not only that. In our very vicinity, what is happening to the Muslims of a region of "Azerbaijan Republic" in "Karabakh" is like those atrocities. What is happening to the Muslims of "Tajikistan" is also like that. What is happening to the Muslims of "Kashmir" is no less than those atrocities. Of course, none of them is as great as the atrocities of Bosnia. There, the enemy is not a local enemy. In the regions I mentioned, the enemy is a local enemy. In Bosnia—in the heart of Europe—imperial policies are being applied; because it is more important to them there. The main thing is that what is the duty must be done without fear and apprehension from anyone. The Iranian nation cut the strings of fear from the powers so that it could stand straight and its uprightness became a lesson for other nations. You see that today, young people around the world are chanting in the name of Islam.

Fifteen years have passed since the beginning of the revolution. Nearly five years have passed since the passing of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified). Everyone thought that the further we move from the origin—especially after the passing of the great Imam, may God sanctify his soul—the enthusiasm and passion of Muslim nations towards Iran and the Islamic revolution would end. But you see that this enthusiasm and passion is increasing day by day and, in parallel, day by day, it has become a more serious problem for global arrogance. This is the work of God, not our work. This is the divine will. However, the Iranian nation, with God's help and divine success, prepared the ground for this divine favor with its sacrifice, with its efforts, with its bloodshed, with its expression of belief, and with its preservation of unity.

Preserve unity. The enemy is very eager to cause division and discord in the home of the herald of unity. Everyone should always remember this. Different groups, different sects, different cities, and different people should know this. The enemies of Islam and the Islamic Republic are very eager to say "This is the Islamic Republic that always talked about unity! Look! It is in discord and division in its own home!" They want to create such a situation. By the grace of the Lord, they have not been able to do so until today, and with the guidance and help of God and your dear nation's vigilance and awareness, they will not be able to do so in the future either.

We hope that God accepts this accepted Hajj from you and all the successful ones who, God willing, will be honored to perform Hajj this year. God willing, may He accept everyone's efforts and grant success for a good Hajj to be held.

Those who go to Hajj should appreciate Hajj. Let me say this one word for now, and if there is more detail, we will talk about it later. Those who go to Mecca should not sacrifice Mecca for shopping and wandering in shops. Mecca is above these matters. They can later make a trip for trade and wander wherever they want. But in Hajj, keep these "known days" for themselves and for pilgrimage and attention and remembrance, and do not sacrifice it for worthless activities.

Participate in congregational prayers. Participate in gatherings. Be sure to attend the congregational prayer at the first opportunity in the noble sanctuaries. Let your presence be a faithful and pious presence that is expected from the Iranian nation.

We hope that the Lord of the worlds grants you all success and that you are included in the pure prayers of the Imam of the Age, may our souls be sacrificed for him.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.