In a message on the occasion of the grand and glorious Hajj Congress, Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said that "human compassion" and "the spiritual strength of Islam" are two dimensions of the obligation of Hajj. Referring to the tragedies in Gaza, which are unparalleled in contemporary history, he said, "The denunciation of the Zionist regime and its supporters, especially the United States, must extend beyond the Hajj season this year, reaching Muslim-populated countries, cities worldwide, and all people.

In his message, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the multifaceted dimensions of the complex rituals of Hajj. He described it as a source of strength and courage for Muslims and a deterrent and intimidating force for our adversaries. He said, "While revealing the secrets and mysteries of the intricate rituals of Hajj, the Quran portrays it as a symbol of ethical tranquillity and Muslim reconciliation, as well as a symbol of antipathy and steadfast confrontation against their enemies." He urged pilgrims to align their thoughts and actions closer to these illustrious teachings, reclaim their identity blended with these noble concepts, and return home enriched with these valuable gifts from the pilgrimage.

Ayatollah Khamenei spoke about the crimes of the merciless Zionist regime and their impending downfall in Gaza; he said, "Denunciation is more prominent this year than ever before because the tragedies of Gaza have left no room for consideration or appeasement by any individual, party, government, or sect of Muslims. This denunciation must be demonstrated in the words and actions of nations and governments and narrow the arena for their oppressors and supporters."

In the concluding remarks of his message, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution honoured the steadfast resistance of Palestine and the patient and oppressed people of Gaza, saying, "Comprehensive support must be provided to this resistance."

The text of the Leader's speech to the Pilgrims to the House of God is as follows:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon the Best of Creation, our Master Muhammad al-Mustafa, and his Pure Family, Chosen Companions, and those who follow them with excellence until the Day of Judgment.

The heart-rending song of Ibrahim, which by the command of God calls upon all humanity in all times to the Kaaba during the Hajj season, has once again captivated the hearts of Muslims from around the world this year. It has brought forth this magnificent and diverse gathering of people, highlighting to both adherents and outsiders alike the range of humanity and the spiritual force of Islam.

When the grand gathering and intricate rituals of Hajj are observed and contemplated, they are a source of strength and assurance for Muslims and are daunting and intimidating for enemies and adversaries.

It is not surprising that enemies and adversaries of the Islamic Ummah endeavour to distort and cast doubt upon both aspects of the duty of Hajj, whether by highlighting religious and political differences or by undermining its sacred and spiritual dimensions.

The Quran considers the Hajj to embody servitude, remembrance, and humility. It is a symbol of human dignity, order in material and spiritual life, blessing, guidance, moral tranquillity, practical reconciliation among brethren, and resolute confrontation against adversaries.

Reflection on the verses related to Hajj and contemplation of the rituals of this incomparable obligation reveal these and similar secrets and mysteries within the complex composition of Hajj.

My pilgrim brothers and sisters, you are now engaged in the practice of these profound truths and teachings. Align your thoughts and actions closer to them, reclaim an identity imbued with these lofty concepts, and bring it back home. This is indeed the valuable and real gift of your Hajj journey.

This year, the practice of condemnation is more important than before. The unprecedented tragedies of Gaza in our contemporary history, the audacity of the ruthless regime, the manifestation of cruelty and adversity, and, indeed, the decline of Zionism have left no room for consideration or appeasement for any individual, party, government, or Muslim sect. This year, the condemnation must extend beyond the pilgrimage season and places of pilgrimage to Muslim-populated countries and cities worldwide, providing solace to all people beyond the pilgrims themselves.

This condemnation of the Zionist regime and its supporters, especially the United States government, must be demonstrated in the words and actions of nations and governments, narrowing the field for oppressors.

The steadfast resistance of Palestine and the patient and oppressed people of Gaza, whose glorious patience and resistance have earned admiration and respect worldwide, must be supported in every way.

I pray for them to achieve complete and swift victory from the Lord. And I wish you, esteemed pilgrims, a blessed pilgrimage. May the supplication of His Excellency Baqiyatullah (peace be upon him) support you.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

Seyed Ali Khamenei

4 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445

22 Khordad, 1403

15 June, 2024