Imam Khomeini Revived Political Dimension of Hajj: Scholar
Imam Khomeini transformed the lifeless pilgrimage into a vibrant and dynamic obligation, a pilgrimage that is not merely an individual act of worship, but one that embodies closeness to God, understanding, unity of the Islamic community, and resistance against tyranny, Qassem Jafari told IQNA as this year’s Hajj seaon approaches.
He said by leading the Islamic Revolution to victory, Imam Khomeini revived the Muhammadan and Abrahamic religion.
Jafari added that in his annual messages to Hajj pilgrims, Imam Khomeini, in addition to referring to the spiritual and personal aspects of Hajj, underlined its social and political dimensions and attached importance to the issue of Bira’at min-al-Mushrikeen (disavowal of disbelievers).
After the demise of Imam Khomeini, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has also underscored these principles and foundations in his annual messages to pilgrims, he noted.
Asked whether Imam Khomeini’s view of the role of the Hajj in strengthening Muslim unity was a tactical or strategic view, he stated that what Imam Khomeini said was based entirely on religious grounds.
Although the Quran also considers tactics in some cases, it focuses more on principles and foundations, and Imam Khomeini also sought to address the principles and long-term strategies from the point of view of Islam, Jafari went on to say.
He noted that the Quran highlights unity not just among Muslims but also among all Abrahamic faiths.
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Unity in the Hajj means coming together from every race, ethnicity, color and Islamic creed, he said, adding that this look is not just a gesture of worship, but it is completely strategic.
Although in Islam, tactics also have a meaning, in the discussion of Hajj, what is important is the strategic and Quranic outlook and Imam Khomeini also spoke on that basis, Jafari concluded.
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