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24No. 293 | May 20252. The Conduct of the Holy Prophet and the Declaration of Disavowal:Following the pivotal conquest of Mecca in the eighth year of the Hijra (630 CE), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered the polytheists living in the Arabian Peninsula a choice: embrace Islam and become part of the burgeoning Muslim community, or depart from the region. This grace period allowed for a peaceful transition and an opportunity for the polytheists to reconsider their beliefs. However, the situation evolved further in the ninth year of the Hijra (631 CE) with the revelation of the verses of Bara%u2019ah (Disavowal) in the Quran (Surah al-Tawbah). Recognizing the significance of these verses, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entrusted Imam Ali (AS) with the important task of reciting them to the pilgrims during the annual Hajj season in Mecca. This public declaration marked a decisive turning point in the early history of Islam, establishing a clear and unambiguous demarcation between the Muslim community and those who continued to adhere to polytheistic beliefs. The verses effectively annulled previous treaties with polytheistic tribes and outlined the new terms for coexistence, solidifying the dominance of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and ushering in a new era of Islamic governance and societal structure. This event shaped the religious landscape and had profound social and political ramifications for the future of the region.3. Disavowal of Polytheists in Islamic Jurisprudence:Islamic jurisprudence places significant emphasis on the idea of %u201cdisavowal of polytheists%u201d, viewing it as both a religious duty and a politically significant act. Drawing on specific verses within the Qur%u2019an, as well as interpretations of the Prophet Muhammad%u2019s (peace be upon him) actions and teachings, both Shiite and Sunni jurists have historically asserted the necessity of publicly declaring one%u2019s disavowal of polytheism and its associated ideologies. This principle holds a prominent position within Shiite jurisprudence, influencing legal discussions relating to jihad (struggle) and the framework for international relations. This perspective shapes the understanding of permissible interactions with non-Muslims and the overall goals of an Islamic state.The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a cornerstone of Islamic practice, has traditionally served as a symbolic and practical stage for expressing this disavowal of polytheism. This ritualistic expression has been interpreted as a reaffirmation of monotheism and a rejection of idolatry. In the modern era, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (may God have mercy on him) revitalized the emphasis on this tradition, highlighting its important political and social ramifications. He recast the disavowal of polytheists as a powerful symbol of resistance against perceived global oppression and arrogance, framing it as a form of spiritual and political warfare against forces considered antithetical to Islamic values. This reinterpretation linked the religious duty to a broader struggle against injustice and imperialism, influencing contemporary political discourse and social movements within certain segments of the Muslim world.4. Restoration of Disavowal of Polytheists in the Present Era:Imam Khomeini (RA) recognized the transformative potential of the Hajj pilgrimage, viewing it as far more than a purely ritualistic act. He strategically revived the ceremony of %u201cdisavowal of polytheists%u201d during the Hajj season, aiming to awaken Muslims to their shared responsibility in confronting injustice and global arrogance, primarily embodied by Western powers and Zionism. He firmly believed that the Hajj, beyond its spiritual significance, should serve as a powerful platform for political and social engagement. This included fostering unity among Muslims from diverse backgrounds and inspiring a collective resistance against all forms of oppression and tyranny, both internal and external. By emphasizing the political dimensions of the Hajj, Imam Khomeini (RA) sought to empower Muslims to challenge the status quo and actively work towards a more fair world order. His efforts tried to transform the Hajj from only a personal spiritual journey into a cata-