B) Social Aspects of Hajj

Hajj,
the Manifestation of Unity of Islamic Ummah

In the opinions of Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei,
Hajj is a manifestation of consolidation of Islamic unity and an expression of
integrity of the Islamic ummah.

Commenting on the issue, Imam Khomeini states:

“One of the most important pillars of the philosophy of
Hajj is creation of understanding and consolidation of fraternity among the
Muslims.”

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Elsewhere, the Imam states: “We should bear in mind that one of the significant
reasons for gathering of

[all Muslims]
from across the world in the this sacred
place is solidarity of the Muslims of the world, consolidation of unity among
the followers of the holy Prophet of Islam and the holy Quran against the
illegitimate rulers of the world.”

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Commenting on the same issue, the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei says:

“Hajj is the manifestation of unity and solidarity of the
Muslims. Now the Almighty God calls all the Muslims and those who are able

[to
travel]
to this particular point, at a particular time and assembles them
besides each other during certain nights and days to participate in certain
rites and practices which are the manifestation of coexistence, discipline and
coordination. Its first manifest impact is injection of the feeling of unity and
congregation in each of them and demonstration of the glory and splendor of the
congregation of Muslims to them as well as nourishing their mind with the
feeling of grandeur.”

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Hajj, a Platform for Solving the Problems of the
Muslims

Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei consider Hajj
occasion as an opportunity for proximity among the world Muslims as well as an
occasion for discussing the problems and shortcomings of various Islamic
societies and an occasion for reaching a consensus to solve these problems. Imam
Khomeini states:

“Now that it is the occasion of House of God and the
Muslims from across the world have gone on pilgrimage to the House of God, it is
necessary that during the performance of Hajj ceremonies they pay attention to
one of the greatest reasons for this great assembly, that is, paying attention
to the sociopolitical conditions of the Islamic countries and becoming aware of
the problems of their brother-in-faith and try to solve them in accordance to
their Islamic, humane duties. Paying attention to the affairs of the Muslims is
among the important obligations.”

[39]