Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with the executive and cultural officials in charge of hajj affairs. His Eminence said that promoting Islamic unity is one of the most urgent needs in the present conditions, further stressing: "Hajj must be the manifestation of the Islamic Ummah's strong determination in the face of all divisive measures aimed at the unity and progress of the Islamic world."
The Leader described hajj as a great and precious opportunity and added: "The pilgrims must take care not to let this precious opportunity be wasted on worthless worldly things."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that establishing a relationship with the great world of Islam is another advantage of hajj. "Through their Islamic behavior, Iranian pilgrims can introduce the kind of Islam promoted by the Islamic Republic to the pilgrims from other countries."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that being present in the congregational prayers held in Masjid al-Nabawi and Masjid al-Haram is an example of Islamic behavior and Quranic education. He reiterated: "Our magnanimous Imam, who was a knowledgeable and vigilant person, used to constantly advise all hajj pilgrims to attend congregational prayers because this presence is one of the practical manifestations of unity."
Further stressing Islamic unity, Ayatollah Khamenei added: "The bloody acts in some Islamic countries - especially in Iraq, Pakistan, and certain parts of Iran - are being pursued with the aim of fomenting discord among Shia and Sunni Muslims. Therefore, a lot of attention has to be focused on the issue of Muslim unity." He added that those who carry out terrorist attacks in Muslim countries are "directly or indirectly" linked with foreign agents.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "The pilgrims of the Ka'bah cannot be indifferent to what is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, and some parts of Pakistan."
"During hajj, pilgrims should be sensitive to the measures aimed at undermining Islamic unity or the flag of Islam, which is raised in Iran."
Ayatollah Khamenei further expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Shia Muslims are treated in Maqbarat Al-Baqi', Masjid al-Haram, and Masjid al-Nabawi and said: "Such acts are against the unity of Muslims and contribute to the goals and wishes of the US and foreign intelligence services. And the Saudi government should fulfill its duty in confronting these acts."
Addressing the officials in charge of Hajj affairs, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "Cultural, political, and managerial planning for the hajj caravans should be in line with the requirements of the time."