Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with officials in charge of hajj affairs. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence referred to the anti-Islam film which insults the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) and said that this year's hajj ceremonies enjoy particular importance. He stressed: "Unity of the Islamic Ummah, which is centered on the Last Prophet (s.w.a.) and expression of Muslims' deep hatred and anger at the camp of the arrogant powers, should manifest itself during hajj in a beautiful and impressive way. And this is the true meaning of renouncing polytheists."

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the insult against the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) by the arrogant powers and their agents shows that the enemies and the camp of the arrogant powers bear deep grudges against the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.). He added: "The position that western politicians adopted on this great insult was not different from their typical hostile positions."

His Eminence reiterated: "The insult against the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) and the position that leaders of the arrogant powers adopted in this regard, revealed their true face and the main pivot of the confrontation between the camps of truth and falsehood. It became clear that enmity of the arrogant powers is because of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and the essence of Islam."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the widespread protests in Islamic and non-Islamic countries against the insulting film, further adding that the protests show the Islamic Ummah enjoys great capacities.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that respect for the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) is what followers of different Islamic denominations have in common. "As far as the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) is concerned, the differences between Shia and Sunni Islam or between moderate and radical Islam fade into insignificance. Everybody has stepped in with all their heart and soul because the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) is the pivot of divine and Islamic beliefs."

His Eminence stressed the need to preserve Islamic unity which is centered on the personality of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) and on expressing hatred towards his enemies, further adding: "Renouncing polytheists means that Muslims should feel they are faced with the same enemy and they should renounce this enemy from the bottom of their hearts."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the high spiritual position of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and stated: "Muslims should uphold what was promoted by the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) - namely, monotheism, Islam and the Holy Quran - and they should turn hajj into a manifestation of expressing love and respect for him."

Ayatollah Khamenei called on the Islamic Ummah to remain vigilant against the enemies' dangerous plots which are aimed at fomenting discord among Muslim protestors. "The enemies of religion and the arrogant powers should know that in spite of certain denominational and ideological differences that exist among Muslims, the Islamic Ummah is united against them."

His Eminence stressed: "We must not allow the camp of the arrogant powers to save itself from the rage of the Islamic Ummah by resorting to the technique of fomenting discord."

Elsewhere in his statements, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that hajj is an obligation which is imbued with divine remembrance and added that hajj is one of the best opportunities to engage in divine remembrance and solemn praying.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged hajj pilgrims to strengthen their relationship with Muslims from different countries by stressing what they have in common and by observing the Islamic code of behavior.