Leader: Hajj ‘a Cause of Trepidation for Enemies’

TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the annual Hajj pilgrimage is a source of confidence for Muslims and a cause of trepidation for the enemies.

The Leader is to address Hajj pilgrims on Saturday when pilgrims gather in the Arafat desert southeast of Mecca for main rituals of the annual event. 
“When one contemplates this magnificent gathering and the complex Hajj rituals, they are a source of reassurance and increase the confidence for the Muslims, while being intimidating and a cause of trepidation for enemies,” excerpts of the message said.
It touched on Bara’at min-al-Mushrikeen, a Qur’anic institution, which is an integral part of each year’s Hajj pilgrimage, translating into “Renunciation of the Polytheists”.
“This year’s bara’at must continue beyond the time and place of Hajj to all Muslim countries and cities worldwide. It must continue beyond just the Hajj pilgrims and be extended to the general populace,” the message said.
“Brothers and sisters, bring your thoughts and actions closer and closer to the truths and luminous teachings of Hajj, and bring back to your homes a reformed identity infused with these lofty concepts. This is the valuable, real souvenir of your Hajj journey,” the Leader said. 
Hajj pilgrimage is one of the pillars of Islam. It consists of a series of religious rites that are completed over five days in Mecca and surrounding areas of western Saudi Arabia.