A Call to ‘Hajj of Renunciation’

TEHRAN – Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has urged Hajj pilgrims to renounce US and Israeli actions, highlighting the intersection of religious devotion and geopolitical tensions.

Ayatollah Khamenei made these comments during a meeting with the country’s officials responsible for conducting and organizing the pilgrimage.

The meeting took place at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah on Monday, ahead of the start of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage for pilgrims.

As Muslims embark on the holy journey of the Hajj, Ayatollah Khamenei’s directive underlines the moral imperative for believers to confront injustice and oppression, especially in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The indiscriminate bombardment of civilian areas and the displacement of countless families have drawn condemnation from around the world, reinforcing calls for solidarity and action.

Amid mounting criticism of the United States’ steadfast support for Israel, the Leader’s call challenges the ethical stance of Muslims worldwide and urges them to actively deny complicity in the perpetuation of violence and oppression. With Washington’s continued support enabling Israel’s actions, the Hajj pilgrimage is emerging as a crucial moment for believers to reaffirm their commitment to justice and human dignity.

At the beginning of the meeting, the leader described the Hajj as a multi-dimensional obligation in terms of material and spiritual aspects. “In the inner dimension, the remembrance of God as ‘the true source of life, who shapes the determination, willpower and decisions of an individual, society and a nation’ is the prominent point in all stages and positions of Hajj, ” he stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of the social aspect of the Hajj, including unity and promoting connections among Muslims. He emphasized that the underlying philosophy of the divine invitation to all individuals to gather at a specific place and time during the Hajj is to give Muslims the opportunity to get to know each other, work together and make collective decisions. By doing so, he stated, the beneficial and tangible results of Hajj can be shared by the Islamic world and all humanity, noting that the Islamic world currently lacks effective joint decision-making and cooperation.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that ignoring national, religious and ethnic differences is essential for unity. “The huge, uniform gathering of followers of all Islamic denominations of all nationalities during the Hajj is a clear manifestation of the socio-political aspect of the pilgrimage,” he added.

Pointing out that the Hajj should be filled with the blessed name of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and his teachings, Ayatollah Khamenei asserted that renunciation of the enemies of God’s religion is a valuable lesson learned from his teachings.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution viewed the current events in Gaza as an important sign in history. “The ferocious attacks of the rabid Zionist dogs on the one hand, and the resistance and oppression of the Gazans on the other, will remain in history and guide humanity. The astonishing and unprecedented effect it has had in non-Islamic societies and universities of the US and other countries is a testament to its historic character.”

Ayatollah Khamenei explained the obligation that the Islamic Ummah has regarding the atrocities taking place in Gaza during the Abrahamic Hajj. He emphasized that “Abraham (PBUH) was a compassionate prophet with a very kind heart, but at the same time this prophet of God also strongly expressed his renunciation and clearly declared his enmity against the oppressors and hostile enemies.”

Referring to verses from the Quran, Ayatollah Khamenei described the Zionist regime as the absolute epitome of enmity towards Muslims, adding that the US is complicit in this regime. “Without US support, would the Zionist regime have the power and courage to treat Muslims, men, women and children so cruelly?”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: “Those who kill Muslims and force them into displacement, as well as their supporters, are both oppressors, and according to the explicit Quranic verse: if anyone befriends them, they are also oppressors and cursed by God . .”

Given the current situation in the Islamic world, he considered the Abrahamic approach to the Hajj, which clearly means renunciation of enemies, more important than ever. “On this basis, Iranian and non-Iranian pilgrims should be able to convey the Quranic reasoning in supporting the Palestinians to the entire Islamic world,” he stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized: “Of course, the Islamic Republic has not (and will not) wait for others (to take action), but if the strong Muslim countries and governments unite and guide (this endeavor), the deplorable situation in which the Palestinians find themselves unable to continue.”