28 Mar 2024
Sunday 30 July 2017 - 15:24
Story Code : 270329

Ayatollah Khamenei calls on Hajj pilgrims to take stand on al-Aqsa



Press TV- Leaderof the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Muslims should use the Hajj rituals this year to take a united stance against Israeli efforts tocontrolthe al-Aqsa Mosque.

Tensions are stillhighatIslam's third holiest site in Jerusalem al-QudswhereIsraeldeployed troops last weekto restrict access to Palestinian worshipers but had toretreat amid fears that the standoff could turn to a large-scale revolt.

"The Zionists have becomeemboldened and rude,givingthemselves the right to get toughwith and prevent the owners of the al-AqsaMosque," Ayatollah Khamenei told a group of officials in charge of annual Hajj in Tehran Sunday.

"Where can the Islamic Ummah find a better venuethan Hajj to comment on the al-Aqsa Mosque? Where is theplace to take aposition againstthe mischievouspresence of Americain the region? Hajj is the best venue," the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei alsorecommended thatthe pilgrims focus on the issue of unity, saying no one shoulddo anything which mayhelp create friction.

The Leader further asked pilgrims to participate in congregational prayers in theMasjid al-Haram in Mecca which surrounds Islam's holiest site andthe Masjid al-Nabawiwhich isthe second holiest siteto Muslims, situated in Medina.

"While billions of dollars are spent to create disunity,friction andhostility among Muslims,Muslimsshould be careful not to help this effort, because each Islamic nation that contributes to this plot will beapartner in the consequences of this great sin."

Ayatollah Khameneidescribed the Hajj pilgrimage as the epitome of grandeur, unity, integrity and power of the Islamic Ummah.

The Leaderstressed that the security ofpilgrims is very important and must be guaranteed. The pain left in the hearts ofIranians due to the 2015 Hajj tragic incidents is unforgettable, he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei was referring totwo deadly incidents in September 2015, when more than 100 pilgrims lost their lives after the collapse of a massive construction crane into Meccas Grand Mosque and thousands who died laterin a human crush.

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