Khamenei.ir

Speaking in a meeting with the Hajj organizers on January 15, 2008, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed his sincere gratitude to the organizers for holding such a glorious ceremony and stated, "Maintaining cultural programs as well as utilizing all the available facilities turns the Hajj into an invaluable and unique opportunity to introduce the Islamic and revolutionary values."

His Eminence stressed the great cultural and spiritual potential of the Hajj and said: "Establishing expanded relations with the elites in Islamic seminaries, using academics and capable writers, sustained long-term planning, establishing a separate field for in this regard [the Hajj studies], and considering the delicacy and taste of the audience helps this potential blossom."

Referring to the attempts made by the organizers to hold increasingly improved ceremonies, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hopes that the existing harmony between the Hajj Organization and diplomatic and executive bodies of the country will progressively improve the quality of the services provided for the pilgrims of the House of Allah.

In this meeting, Hojjat ul-Islam Val Muslimin Muhammad Reyshahri the Leader's Representative and the Iranian pilgrims' superintendent gave a report on the Great Hajj Congregation and said that the pilgrims of the House of Allah consider the Hajj a political as well as a religious duty now, which is clearly manifested in the ceremony in which Muslims of various races and denominations renounce the infidels.

The head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Mr. Khaksar Ghahroodi also presented a report on the planning done and efforts made by this organization.