Riyadh, June 8: In a recent directive issued during a Saudi Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman, Saudi Arabia has sternly warned pilgrims against mixing politics with religion during the Hajj pilgrimage. The advisory emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity and spiritual essence of the holy sites by refraining from any political activities.
The announcement comes in the wake of remarks made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who suggested that Iranian pilgrims might engage in political demonstrations during this year’s Hajj. Khamenei argued that supporting oppressed Islamic communities, such as Palestinians and Yemenis, is integral to Islamic teachings and a religious duty during Hajj.
“Among major mistakes is that they say, ‘Do not politicize Hajj’,” Khamenei stated. “Creating unity is a political matter. Supporting and defending the oppressed in the world of Islam is a political matter, based on Islamic teachings and obligations. Hajj is a political act and this political act is … a religious obligation.”
Khamenei also criticized Saudi Arabia’s stringent security measures during the pilgrimage, suggesting they created an overly tense atmosphere. He called on the Saudi government to treat pilgrims with respect and honor, recognizing them as guests of God.
These statements have drawn criticism from various quarters, including exiled Iranian author and journalist Amir Taheri. “Khamenei has ended the 10-year truce on Hajj and called for demonstrations during the next pilgrimage,” Taheri noted, warning that such actions could incite violence.
In response, Saudi Minister of Media Turki Al-Shabanah reiterated the Kingdom’s stance, urging pilgrims to avoid any political activities that could disrupt the pilgrimage. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to ensure the pilgrimage remains a peaceful and spiritual experience.
This directive underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving the spiritual nature of the Hajj, amid rising geopolitical tensions and differing perspectives on the role of political expression in religious observances.
