Former Iranian envoy to Jordan has criticized Saudi Arabia for hindering realization of social objectives behind Hajj.
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Mostafa Moslehzadeh, Iran’s former ambassador to Jordan, in an interview with Taqrib News Agency (TNA) referred to repercussions of diplomatic rows in the region on Hajj ceremony calling the annual ceremony as a major global congregation related to Muslim world.
Unifying ceremony of Hajj is annually participated with millions of Muslims from across the globe while Riyadh authorities, under the influence of problems with some regional countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran misuses its hosting position to make political achievements, a move which contributes to deepening of the gaps and bringing more hindrances on the path of the objectives for the major annual ceremony.
Below is the exclusive interview with Iran’s former envoy to Jordan where he shed more light on the different aspects of the event.
Q: What is the role of Hajj ceremony in building more unity and convergence among world Muslims?
A: Hajj is a great political congregation for whom some particular objectives are defined. The rituals for this great Islamic ceremony with different individual and social objective are performed by a massive number of people. The first objective is to convene Muslims from across the globe in a single time and the same spot to come to a certain assessment of their present political and cultural situation.
The second particular mission of Hajj is a power show against rivals. Hajj, parallel to Arba’een (40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)) which is a domestic ceremony are two great global conventions related to all Muslims.
The third objective is to teach followers of Islam so that they promote and transcend. In fact Hajj is the best opportunity to reach God Almighty. The fourth objective is to base a relation with other members of this school since Hajj is the best opportunity for congregation of Muslims in a great meeting to exchange their views and endeavor to solve the issues of the Muslim world. This cooperation should contribute to a reform in the society.
Q: This year the Hajj pilgrimage is held amid a marred political relation between Saudi Arabia and some regional countries including Islamic Republic of Iran. Is there the proper ground for making use of Hajj for achieving its main objective, solving the issues of Muslim world?
A: No. Saudi Arabia views Hajj, which is mainly a cultural event, through the lenses of politics. As a host, this country does not let the grounds for building relations between pilgrims participating the ceremony. Saudi Arabia, in preventing this relation, follows a multi-faceted approach; therefore, a part of Hajj objectives do not realize because the government prevents those who intend to promote an idea or exchange views.
Q: What aim does Riyadh follow with this approach?
A: Saudi Arabia does not want a relation to be built between Iranian, Lebanese, Iraqi and other countries in the same front against anti-regional measures by Saudi Arabia because the main objective of the whole congregation which is solidarity of Muslims against superpowers and outside players, led by the US and Zionist regime, is formed. It is with the same objective that it hinders participation of pilgrims from its opposite front to attend the pilgrimage.
Q: Does it mean that the political view of Riyadh prevents cooperation and solidarity of Muslims?
A: Yes. Saudi Arabia does not want the relation between its opposite Islamic countries to be strengthened. The Arab kingdom stresses Hajj as a spiritual ceremony and not a political one, that it maintains the efficiency of the trip made by Muslims and not empowerment of Islam or Muslims. Sadui Arabia does not hold even one scientific conference in line with alleviating the regional issues and if there is one such meeting the agenda is on confrontation with its opposite countries. We have never seen Saudi Arabia holds a conference to settle the plight of Myanmar, Nigeria or even Yemen since these conferences will lead to analysis and efforts to solve their issues while the Arab kingdom does not intend to do so. That is the reason why during previous Hajj ceremonies we were witness to serious confrontation of Saudi security forces with Iranian pilgrims approaching those from other countries. Therefore, due to this approach by Saudi Arabia it is impossible to follow some objectives of Hajj. Riyadh intends utmost prevention of Muslims conventions to halt the realization of objectives behind the event.
Q: Does settling political issues between countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia lead to realization of all spiritual and political objectives of Hajj?
A: No, Saudi Arabia does not leave its permanent approach and a diplomatic negotiation with it will not lead to realization of Hajj objectives. In negotiation with Saudi Arabia, the only achievement is presentation in Mecca. Present government in Riyadh is seriously dependent upon its western ally, the US, and this dependence has especially intensified during Trump presidency. The only reason for that is lack of endeavors by all Muslim countries to stand against Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is the decision maker in the Hajj ceremony while previous experiences have showed that the country has not been responsive in maintaining the security of pilgrims. However Islamic countries can press Saudi Arabia and alleviate its unfriendly approaches through regional and international bodies including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in order to involve their views for holding Hajj ceremonies.
This is while the situation is the opposite and this is Saudi Arabia which is imposing its views on OIC. This approach can be subject to total change as a result of an effective unity among all Islamic countries.
