Hajj pilgrims to hold conferences to foil enemy plots

A leading Iranian cleric called on Islamic countries to organize conferences during major Hajj season as part of efforts to foil enemy plots against Muslims.

“Representatives of Muslim countries to Hajj should hold conferences to address political and economic issues of the Islamic world and to thwart plots hatched by enemies,” said Ayatollah Seyyed Hashem Hosseini-Bushehri.

He told IQNA that Hajj is an opportunity for strengthening unity in the Muslim world as well as boosting Islamic economy and culture.

Ayatollah Hosseini-Bushehri, who is a member of the Association of the Qom Seminary, said that the current atmosphere in Hajj denies Muslims the right to establish relations.

“Gathering, discussions or exchanges of ideas among Muslims are restricted during Hajj while the Quran calls on Muslims to make contacts with each other.”

Speaking on possible avenues towards real unity among followers of different Islamic sects, the cleric explained that focusing on what Muslims have in common such as oneness of Allah, the Prophet and Ka’aba. “In a community where common grounds are neglected rifts will develop.

Major Hajj, the largest annual gathering of Muslims, is a spiritual journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia which must be undertaken at least once in life.

Every year some three million pilgrims from four corners of the world gather in Mecca to perform Hajj rites.