Making the remarks in a meeting with officials responsible for the Hajj pilgrimage, he said that the US anger is due to the image created by Iran that has shown the resistance of an independent establishment against a bullying power.
The Leader lamented that a united Islamic Ummah has not been formed yet and some Islamic countries are dealing with some contrasts and involved in wars.
He urged the officials to use Hajj rituals as a chance to generate ‘Religious Democracy’ besides elaborating on other issues including the reasons for Iran’s animosity with the US, to the world.
Imam Khamenei praised the co-ordination and synergy between the various institutions for Hajj to be carried out magnificently and emphasized the importance of Hajj as a political, religious and social movement. He added, “Many countries, however, ignore the importance and significant functions of Hajj. But, our honorable Imam (Khomeini) taught us that Hajj is a serious and international point of stimulus, and many benefits are expected from it for the Islamic Nation.”
Referring to the various efforts of world powers to prevent the formation of a united Islamic Nation, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated, “The Islamic Nation, in its true sense, i.e. a coherent unit that acts with a common will and purpose, has not yet been formed. Unfortunately, the invitation of those who care and wish for Islamic unity is commonly faced with accusations, opposition and conflict in Islamic countries.”
He emphasized the need for the "presence of Iranian pilgrims in the group prayers in the Great Mosque of Mecca and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi," "the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by prominent Iranian reciters in these mosques," and the "active presence of Iranian intellectuals who have mastered foreign languages to answer questions." He said, "Speaking about the political foundations of the system of the Islamic Republic and explaining its new ideas to the world is another essential and important task in Hajj.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution explained that when the Americans say, “Iran should be changed into a normal country,” they mean the Islamic Republic should abandon spreading its new ideas in the world, which means "integrating popular opinion with Islamic thoughts and religious foundations in the formation and management of society." He then added, “The model of religious democracy is unknown to the world. In the face of the millions of propaganda tools currently operating against the Islamic Republic, Hajj can be used as an opportunity to explain this model, matters such as the cause of America’s hostility, and the logic of the Iranian nation’s refusal to be dominated by the US.
Imam Khamenei also stressed the importance of self-improvement and fundamental change in individuals after returning from Hajj. Emphasizing the necessity to work and plan in this area, he recommended the Hajj officials deal with pilgrims and their problems in a warm, engaging, kind and modest manner.
MNA/ 4830552/Khamenei.ir