Important Advice of Representative of Supreme Leader on Hajj and Pilgrimage to Pilgrims of Holy House

According to Hajj Information Base, Hojjat al-Islam Seyed Abdolfattah Navvab, the representative of the Supreme Leader for Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs, emphasized the need to make the most of the golden opportunity of Hajj, both spiritually and cognitively, during a speech at the large educational conference for Hajj pilgrims in Tehran province, which was held on Thursday (Ordibehesht 4, 1404).

Referring to the slogan of Hajj 1404, titled 'Hajj, Quranic Conduct, Islamic Convergence, and Support for Oppressed Palestine', he said, "We hope that the proud banner of victory and support will reach the oppressed and suffering people of Palestine, and that this year's Hajj will convey the message of solidarity of the Islamic Ummah with the Palestinian people to the ears of the world."

Stating that one of the important points of the Hajj 1404 slogan is the Quranic way of life, he emphasized, "It is appropriate for pilgrims to prepare their cognitive and spiritual ground for this journey by reciting and reflecting on the Quran, especially the Surahs of Hajj and Abraham, and the verses of Hajj in Surah Al-Baqarah, before the journey."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution's Representative for Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs also emphasized last year that the teachings of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) should be considered during the Hajj.

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab considered opportunism as one of the fundamental principles and necessities of Hajj, and said: "The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that God gives opportunities throughout a person's life that one should make the best use of. If we do not use these opportunities, we will regret it upon our return. Imam Ali (AS) also said that opportunities are quickly lost and difficult to obtain."

Referring to the long waiting line for Hajj pilgrims, the representative of the Supreme Leader for Hajj and pilgrimage affairs told the pilgrims present at the stadium, "Many enthusiasts are waiting in line and envy you, so appreciate this opportunity because it is a great divine blessing."

Hojjat al-Islam Navvab considered opportunism as one of the fundamental principles and necessities of Hajj, and said: "The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that God gives opportunities throughout a person's life that one should make the best use of. If we do not use these opportunities, we will regret it upon our return. Imam Ali (AS) also said that opportunities are quickly lost and difficult to obtain."

Continuing his speech, Hojjat al-Islam Wal Navvab considered acquiring knowledge as the second necessity of a pilgrim, and emphasized: "If Hajj is without knowledge, the pilgrim will not benefit from it. Prophet Abraham (PBUH) asked God to teach him the rituals and the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) also said: Learn the rituals correctly. Fortunately, the caravan's spiritual leader is with you during the journey, so take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn."

He stated that cooperation and assistance of pilgrims is the third essential principle to be observed during the Hajj journey and said: "In order to send the maximum number of pilgrims, the Hajj administrative structure has been planned in such a way that fewer servants are employed to enable the presence of more pilgrims. Before the Islamic Revolution, 13 servants were considered for every 100 pilgrims; while now this ratio has decreased to about 5 people."

In another part of his speech, the Supreme Leader's representative for Hajj and pilgrimage affairs listed good character as another necessity of the Hajj journey, saying that due to the presence of people of different nationalities and with different tastes and spirits, if we want to leave a very good memory of the Hajj in our minds, everyone must pay due attention to good character.

He added that God told Prophet David (PBUH), "Wherever you see someone who has desired me, be his servant." "We are also servants of the pilgrims to the House of God and we strive to provide a spiritual and appropriate atmosphere for this journey."

At the end of his speech, the Supreme Leader's representative for Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs emphasized the need to maintain physical health and observe hygienic tips in the special climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia, saying: "Taking care of one's health and physical fitness is one of the main conditions for benefiting from the blessings of this spiritual journey."

In today's conference, in addition to the speech by the head of the Iranian pilgrims and the head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, a field ceremony to teach Hajj rituals was held by Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Hossein Fallahzadeh, an expert in Hajj rules and rituals.