4 Recommendations by Head of Hajj Pilgrims for the Success of Caravan Clerics

According to the Hajj Information Base, Hojjat al-Islam Seyyed Navvab speaking at the opening ceremony of the selection test for clerics sent to the Umrah caravans, emphasized the importance of this mission and considered the caravan's clergy to be one of the heaviest but most effective cultural responsibilities.

Addressing the test volunteers, he said: "Welcome to the tent of serving the pilgrims of the House of God, the Prophet's shrine and the Ahl al-Bayt. This test is the beginning of a path that can place you in the position of a servant of this luminous path for years. The work of Hajj is not an easy and simple task."

Referring to the conditions of the pilgrims, the representative of the Supreme Leader for Hajj Affairs said: "Hajj pilgrims have sometimes been waiting for this journey for more than 20 years. Many of them have left their homes and jobs in the hope of spiritual advancement. On this path, more than 90 percent of the pilgrims are under the direct guidance of a cleric, which is a heavy and important mission."

An Affective Cleric Initiates Transformation in Pilgrim's Life

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab continued that sometimes a Hajj journey or a pilgrimage to shrines is the beginning of a serious transformation in a person's life. "The pilgrim establishes an emotional and spiritual bond with a cleric who takes the time, is compassionate and has a plan; Sometimes to the point where he puts in all his efforts to accompany the same cleric."

He referred to verse 10 of Surah Fatir ("Whoever desires honor, to Allah belongs all honor."), and said: "Honor belongs to God, and the path to honor lies through good words and good speech. A cleric's tongue must serve guidance; beautiful speech, warm communication, and humble behavior are the gateway to influence."

Good Words, Righteous Deeds, Sincerity, and Service: Four Keys to Success

The representative of the Supreme Leader for Hajj and pilgrimage affairs listed the four key characteristics for the spiritual success of the Hajj as follows:

1. Good speech and proper treatment of pilgrims:
Referring to a verse from Surah Fatir, he said: "Good words are the key to connecting with the pilgrim's heart. The most beautiful words should be used to talk and guide the pilgrims. Imam Khomeini (RA) breathed new life into the audience with precise and respectful expressions.

2. Righteous action and active behavior:

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab clarified: When the pilgrim sees that the caravan's cleric is an agent of what he says, he will accompany him more. The cleric should teach a lesson with his behavior.

3. Sincerity in intention and covenant with the Twelfth Imam (AS):

Referring to the Supreme Leader's advice on connecting with the Twelfth Imam, he said: Things go up with sincerity. If the intention is for God, God will also honor him.

4. A sincere and unswerving servant:

Emphasizing that the most important characteristic of a spiritual person is being a servant, he added: The late Imam used to say: I kiss the hands and arms of people. God commissioned two prophets, Abraham and Ismail, to purify His house; we too must be true servants for the pilgrims.

Work of Caravan Clergy; More Influential Than Any Other Responsibility

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab emphasized: "If I were asked what the best position in the Supreme Leader's complex is, I would say being a caravan clergyman. Communicating with people, responding to the religious and educational issues of the pilgrim, is the same path of the prophets, and its impact is direct and rapid."

"The caravan clergyman should be like a rescue angel; when a pilgrim hesitates between his Tawaf or actions, he is the one who should show the way to salvation and peace," he added.

Cleric Should Model A Servant on the Prophets

In the final part of his speech, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Hajj and pilgrimage Affairs, referring to the servant model of the two great prophets in the House of God (Hazrat Ibrahim (PBUH) and Ismail (PBUH), said: "God chose servants from the prophets for His House, so if we also want to be beloved on this path, we must be true servants of God's pilgrims. This is a servant who brings honor."

He also said: "These beloved ones who come for Hajj or Arbaeen are in fact seeking God and Imam Hussein (AS). We must be servants of those who have taken the path of God."

At the end, Hojjat al-Islam Navvab thanked all those present at the meeting, as well as those who followed his speech online, and asked them to participate in cultural surveys to provide a basis for improving and promoting the programs.