Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Cultural and Executive Officials of Hajj

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

We are very grateful to the brothers serving in the matter of Hajj; both those who are engaged in service at the mission and especially Mr. Reyshahri, and the brothers and sisters who are working hard in the Hajj Organization in various sectors; especially Mr. Khaksar, from whom I heard that good arrangements have been made in various areas for the performance of Hajj and Umrah rituals.

This is a very important point; a divine gift to the Muslim community. Although all divine obligations and duties are indeed divine gifts to humanity; prayer is also a divine gift, fasting is also a divine gift, and charity is the same, but Hajj has an international Islamic characteristic. Certainly, this can be counted as one of the miracles of Islam, that a single center is formed and all the community sees themselves equally before it: "The same for the resident and the visitor"; the relationship of Muslims to this sacred house is the same; whether those who reside in Mecca or those who live in the farthest corners of the Islamic world; Mecca belongs to all of them, and they eagerly set out every year and do not allow this house, which belongs to Muslims, the house of God and the house of the people - "Indeed, the first house established for mankind is that which is in Mecca"; it is the House of God, but it has been established for the people - to remain alone; thus, they eagerly set out from all over the Islamic world to reach here; it is an opportunity for Muslims to recognize each other and become familiar with each other's opinions, thoughts, and troubles; it is a very strange blessing if you appreciate it.

This year, when it was announced as the year of Islamic unity, it takes on a new hue. It is always a time for unity, and the Islamic community must pursue unity; however, this year's designation as the year of Islamic unity is like a peak in a mountain range. The reason is clear; because the policy of the enemies of Islam and Muslims is based on division; they want to create discord among Muslims. This is more profitable for them than any military war, any political movement, or any economic challenge. Unfortunately, the grounds have also been prepared; part of it relates to history, and part of it relates to our own ignorance in this very era. Now, aside from the differences among various ethnicities and nations, there are differences in sects; Shia and Sunni - if the issue of Shia and Sunni did not exist, they would turn to the sects within each of these two groups; they would ignite conflicts between that specific sect and the specific schools of Sunni or Shia, and they are not currently concerned with them - because the issue of Shia and Sunni is a good means for creating discord among them; we see this everywhere. We see their efforts in the Islamic world. Of course, they have not succeeded; thanks be to God. They wanted to portray that after the establishment of an Islamic government in a Shia country, the differences among Islamic sects and Muslim brothers have intensified, but they did not succeed. The reason was that the Islamic government acted Islamically. We have shown the greatest compassion for our brothers in Palestine, who are from the Sunni community; in Palestine, there is almost no Shia. We have provided the most support for the unity of Shia and Sunni in Iraq. Within our own country, Shia and Sunni brothers, wherever they are, behave with affection, kindness, and understanding. The Islamic government and the Islamic Republic did not allow global arrogance to achieve its goals, but they are trying. Unfortunately, we also see that in some places, they lead to incidents. You must be vigilant.

I strongly recommend that in all Hajj ceremonies, you pay attention to the issue of Islamic unity and nullifying the enemy's plots. Of course, governments must feel responsible. The host government in Saudi Arabia must feel responsible. Of course, the officials of that government express similar sentiments to what we expect from them, but it must be put into practice, and in the field of action, it must be evident that they are not pursuing motives of division and do not strengthen those who have these motives, but rather prevent them. This must be proven in practice. This is a point that emphasizes the creation of affection and unity.

And you must be careful from this side; know that provoking the religious sentiments of our Sunni brothers is a very wrong and sinful act; accept this as a principle. There are points of disagreement. Focusing on these points, igniting the flames of prejudices in these points of disagreement, is exactly what the intelligence agencies of America and Israel are after; this is what they want. Some unwittingly and without pay become their mercenaries, doing the work that they should pay for and obtain, without receiving any reward or payment, and they bring upon themselves divine wrath and displeasure.

Today, the Islamic world needs unity. A single voice must rise in the Islamic world. This is what can stop the oppression of the people of Palestine; this is what can prevent the arrogant interventions of America in the Middle East and in Islamic countries. They are using these divisions and want to expand them; in order to dominate the fate of Islamic countries. Anyone who helps them in this path is considered by God Almighty to be with them. And this has a strange reckoning from the Lord of the Universe. One must be very careful.

The second point is the constructive aspect of Hajj; both personal, moral, and spiritual construction - which the respected clergy and scholars within the caravans can play a significant role in - and also national construction; that is, creating the characteristics of a united, mature, wise nation during the Hajj period, preparing the ground for the pilgrims.

If a young man, a man or a woman learns to connect with the Quran during the Hajj, learns to reflect and contemplate on the phrases of prayers and supplications to the Lord, this becomes an asset for them throughout their life. If a pilgrim commits to reading a complete Quran in Medina; in Mecca, a complete Quran - this is the house of the Quran; the place of the Quran's revelation - or if they cannot read a complete Quran, they should read a significant portion of the Quran with contemplation, with reflection; if they get used to contemplating and reflecting on the Quran during this time they are there - you can encourage the pilgrim to adopt such enduring spiritual and moral practices - this becomes an asset for them. The Quran is an inexhaustible treasure. Connecting with the Quran is more beneficial than any preacher, any advising friend, or any lesson for a person. If a person truly establishes a relationship with the Quran and reads it for enlightenment and for the spiritual and moral illumination of their heart, this is greater for them than any preacher. If a person can establish this connection, it is a great achievement.

Performing actions with contemplation; this Tawaf, this Sa'i, this standing, this state of humility and submission, this observance of the prohibitions and restrictions of the state of Ihram; each of these is a lesson. Our respected pilgrims and our dear brothers and sisters should not invalidate this spiritual atmosphere by introducing trivial worldly motives; like buying something from a certain shop. This very engagement in referring to sales centers for something insignificant is a calamity and a problem, and the complications that arise from it are another problem. If prayer time passes, in front of the people, it is considered a humiliation and insult to the Iranian pilgrim and other things that now arise alongside this. This is why I emphasize every year to those involved in Hajj and recommend to the brothers and sisters who are pilgrims. A trivial and insignificant desire can potentially affect the entire spiritual atmosphere. We have not invited people to the asceticism of Abuzar; we are too small to think of such asceticism; we invite ourselves and the people not to indulge excessively in these matters. We overindulge in consumption, in attachment, in giving importance, in following; these excesses harm the spiritual atmosphere.

In any case, in my opinion, the respected clergy can play a significant role; both with their words and with their actions and behavior towards the audience. And also the respected officials involved in Hajj.

In any case, it is a great service, and you, the Hajj officials, find Hajj to be a double blessing for you; because in addition to the blessing of Hajj itself, the blessing of serving the pilgrims and working for the pilgrims also exists for you.

God willing, may God accept from you, and may the holy heart of the Awaited Imam be pleased with you, and may the prayers of that great one encompass you.

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