By: M. Sharifi

Drawing from the annals of history, it is abundantly clear that the Zionist regime's occupation of Palestine and expansionist agendas are antithetical to regional stability and tenable peace. Tel Aviv's survival strategy involves a continuous and vicious campaign to sow discord, foment enmity, and instigate conflicts between Islamic nations. The Hajj season, being the largest gathering of Muslims, provides an ideal opportunity for Muslims to combat the various schemes aimed at the destruction of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the plots against Muslim nations, especially the Axis of Resistance.

The effective use of Hajj to reinforce the Palestinian cause has always been of paramount importance to Iran's Supreme Leader, Imam Khamenei, who maintains a unique viewpoint on this issue. Some time ago, while in the company of dignitaries, representatives, and a multitude of Hajj pilgrims, he expounded upon the significance of comprehending the true essence of the Hajj and the paramount importance of fulfilling this sacred obligation. The Hajj, as stated by Imam Khamenei, holds immense global and civilizational importance, with the ultimate goal of promoting the Islamic Ummah and strengthening the bond of unity among the Muslim nations. Its ultimate goal is to stand in opposition to disbelief, oppression, arrogance, and all manifestations of human and non-human idolatry.

During a meeting with Hajj officials last year, Imam Khamenei said: "Today, Hajj is the most unique religious congregation of not only the Islamic world but the entire human society. In light of the considerable population of Iranian pilgrims, this religious assembly presents a distinctive prospect for projecting an alternative portrayal, different from the narratives that the media has instilled in the minds of other Arab and Islamic nations. One of the opportunities that can be undertaken with regards to the Hajj is to link it with pivotal political matters in the Islamic Ummah, namely the Palestine issue."

Furthermore, the Supreme Leaser stated during his deliberation regarding the course of action to be pursued for Hajj: "One matter of concern pertains to the Zionists. Today, the evil of Zionism poses an important and imminent threat to the Islamic world. This entity has consistently proven to be catastrophic, even preceding the establishment of the fake Israeli regime [in 1948]. During that period, the Zionist capitalists proved to be a calamity for humanity as a whole. However, presently, they are proving to be a catastrophe, in particular for the Islamic world. It is imperative that this knowledge be disclosed forthwith, in any manner possible, and by any means available."

In 2017, during his meeting with the Iranian Hajj officials, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated: "Now the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque is of utmost importance. The Zionists have become so arrogant that they have given themselves the right to be ruthless towards the owners of Al-Aqsa Mosque and deny them access to it. What better place for the Islamic Ummah to discuss the Al-Aqsa Mosque than during the Hajj pilgrimage? Other than the Hajj, where can Muslims engage in debates concerning the US' malignant presence in the region?"

According to the guidelines made by Imam Khamenei, it is of utmost importance to recognise the momentous occasion of Hajj, taking into account its exceptional sitting, spiritual milieu, time and place dimensions, face-to-face dialogue, and favourable psychological conditions, as well as its potential for illumination during the Hajj season, and to use the occasion to defend the Palestinian cause. The Hajj is undoubtedly the paramount international forum that lays the foundation for any and all endeavours in the service of Islam. It is a universal means of mass communication that merits our highest regard and admiration.