Hojjat al-Islam Navvab;
Ibrahimi behavior, should be forefront of Hajj caravan managers' activities

According to the Hajj information base, The meeting of Hajj 1403 complexes and caravans managers was held on Thursday evening (June 24) in the presence of Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs and head of the Iranian Pilgrims Hojjat al-Islam Seyed Abdolfattah Navvab and also head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Mr. Seyed Abbas Hosseini at the "Violet" hotel in Mecca.

This gathering began with the recitation of Seyed Reza Najibi, a distinguished reciter and a member of Noor Quranic Caravan, and in the continuation, Hojjat al-Islam Navvab, while explaining the manifestations of Hazrat Ibrahim (PBUH) personality, advised the managers of complexes and caravans to be tolerant, compassionate and kind to the pilgrims.

Considering the success of serving pilgrims as part of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) personality traits, Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs said: Supreme Leader emphasized on the need to learn from the behavior and character of Ibrahim Khalilullah.

Head of the Iranian pilgrims further considered the action of groups and caravans managers in providing grounds for pilgrims' Tawaf, prayer and I’tikaf as a manifestation of Hazrat Ibrahim (pbuh) character and life and said: we should try to understand the manifestations of this prophet's life and learn from it and implement these valuable teachings in our lives.

Supreme Leader's representative in Hajj and Pilgrimage affairs also considered performing Hajj for the pleasure of Almighty God as a manifestation of Ibrahim Khalilullah's life and said: If Ibrahimi character is persistence today, it is because of the sincerity of this prophet. Hazrat Ibrahim (pbuh) was a wise and resourceful preacher.

In another part of his speech, Hojjat al-Islam Navvab asked the caravans’ managers talk to the pilgrims with compassion and kindness. In addition to good fate (planning), managers should also consider good measure (good execution).

He further referred to the words of Imam Ali (a.s.) regarding tolerance with people and said: The pious masters have said in this context: "The health of living in moderation - the health of life is in tolerance and compatibility with people." It was also narrated from this Imam Homam: "With good morals, life becomes pure and sweet".

The Prophet (PBUH) has also said in this context, as I have been assigned to express and propagate the divine message, I should also treat people with tolerance.

Referring to the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) was able to guide the ignorant people of this land with good morals, head of the Iranian pilgrims asked the groups and caravans’ managers to be patient with the pilgrims and deal with them with tolerance. Tolerating pilgrims means interacting well and explaining well.

At the end, Hojjat al-Islam Navvab advised the managers of Hajj and Umrah that in their trips to the land of revelation as a servant of pilgrims, don’t neglect reading the prayer 20^th of Sahifa Sajjadiyyah (the prayer of Makarem al-akhlagh), because Imam Sajjad (a.s.) in this Dua has emphasized on acquiring good morals and good deeds and avoiding moral vices.

Chairman of Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization in the gathering of Hajj 1403 groups and caravans’ managers, while appreciating their efforts up to now, reminded the necessity of precision in the implementation of planning during the days of Tashriq.

Stating that the necessary arrangements have been made with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the executive companies, he said: our facilities are better compared to last year, especially in Arafat; The space of Arafat tents will be different according to the existing coolers, of course, in smaller tents, we will use the coolers that were used last year, because it will not be possible to install new coolers in the space of small tents.

He pointed to the cooking and distribution of food, especially during Tashriq days, and said: In the central kitchens, the necessary recommendations for cooking food for pilgrims have been made in compliance with completely hygienic principles, and the food plan has been adapted according to the days and conditions of the pilgrims.

Referring to the return flights, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization added: "there are some problems arising from the sanctions and we are trying to remove the obstacles in order to improve the return flights, and in this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran Airlines is also on the way." We hope these problems will be solved with the coordination of all parties and assistance.

The caravans and groups’ managers should emphasize to the pilgrims that they must perform their ceremonies 48 hours after the return time is determined because the conditions may fluctuate in terms of returning times, Hosseini added.

Referring to the issue of elections, he said: on the day of voting, about 65,000 Iranian pilgrims will be present in the Land of Revelation. We are trying to get the necessary permission from the host country, and the managers of caravans and groups will be active as executive members and supervisors of the funds. 

By emphasis on implementing the frameworks and guidelines, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage organization said: everyone is required to comply with the laws of the host country, and in this regard, pilgrims and caravans should refrain from actions outside of the program.

Stating that this year we have used young people among the caravans’ agents, Hosseini said: this year we have used more young people in the caravans than in previous years and these dear ones can serve in a worthy manner and gain experience. The experienced forces should also convey their teachings in an appropriate way.

Referring to the heat during Tashriq days, he said: this year, the temperature will increase to 50 degrees, and we hope that everyone will pay attention to the necessary instructions and recommendations.

Chairman of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization pointed out the accommodation space restrictions that exist for all countries in Arafat and Mina and said: this issue should be explained to the pilgrims, and we hope that the pilgrims will pay attention to the existing conditions.