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10No. 293 | May 2025to serve, seeks refuge in God, and raises high the banner of defending the Truth. These are its main, eternal components.The Hajj ritual encompasses symbolic examples of this life, familiarizing the pilgrim with these examples and inviting them to reflect on them.This invitation should be heeded. One must open the heart and eyes to see both the outer and the inner world. One must learn and be steadfast in one%u2019s resolve to put these lessons into practice.Everyone can step forward on this path in accordance with their capacity, but scholars, intellectuals, those entrusted with political authority, and people of social standing should do more than others.The Islamic world needs to apply these lessons now more than ever. It is now the second season of Hajj that is taking place at the same time as the catastrophes unfolding in Gaza and West Asia. The criminal Zionist gang occupying Palestine has, with horrifying cruelty and unparalleled savagery and evil, taken the tragedy in Gaza to an unbelievable level.Palestinian children are now being killed not only by bombs, bullets, and missiles, but also by thirst and starvation. The number of families grieving for their loved ones, their youth, their fathers, and their mothers is increasing day by day. Who must stand up against this human catastrophe?Undoubtedly, Islamic governments are the first ones responsible for acting on this duty, and the people must demand this action from their governments. Muslim governments may have differing political opinions on various issues, but this should not prevent them from coming to a consensus and cooperating in the case of the horrendous situation in Gaza. It should not stop them from defending the most oppressed people in the world today.Muslim governments must block all avenues of assistance to the Zionist regime and restrain their criminal hands from continuing these barbaric actions in Gaza.The United States is a definite accomplice in the crimes of the Zionist regime. America%u2019s associates in this region and other Islamic regions must heed the call of the Quran about defending the oppressed. They must compel the arrogant US government to end this oppressive behavior. The act of bar%u0101%u2019at [renunciation of the mushrik%u012bn] during Hajj is a step in this direction.The miraculous resistance of the people of Gaza has put the Palestinian issue right at the top of the concerns of the Islamic world and all freedom-loving people around the world. This opportunity must be seized, and efforts must be made to rush to the aid of this oppressed nation.Despite the efforts of the arrogant powers and the supporters of the Zionist regime to erase the name and any memory of Palestine, the evil nature of the leaders of that regime and their foolish policies have created a situation in which Palestine%u2019s name shines more brightly today than ever before and public hate of the Zionists and their supporters is also more severe than ever. This is an important opportunity for the Islamic world.Public speakers and people of social standing must raise people%u2019s awareness and sensitivity, and significantly increase demands regarding the issue of Palestine.And you blessed pilgrims, do not neglect the opportunity to pray and seek Almighty God%u2019s help during the Hajj and beseech Almighty God for victory over the Zionist oppressors and their supporters.May All%u0101h%u2019s peace and greeting be upon the Noble Messenger of Islam, his Pure Progeny, and Hazrat Mahdi - the vestige of All%u0101h remaining on earth - may All%u0101h hasten his reappearance.May All%u0101h%u2019s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon youSayyid Ali KhameneiDhu al-Hijjah 3, 1446May 30, 2025