'Hajj is symbol of unity and proximity of Muslims worldwide'

Dr Karim Najafi, Deputy International, Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, Islamic Republic of Iran, has said that Hajj is the symbol of unity and proximity of Muslims worldwide. He said irrespective of their ethnicity, race, color, linguistic and cultural diversity, and geographical location, Muslims from all walks of life assemble in Mecca to demonstrate their strength and cohesiveness.

In an exclusive interview with TNA editor, Syed Ali Safvi, on the sidelines of international Hajj conference in New Delhi, former Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi, and presently Deputy International, Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Karim Najafi Barzegar, said that Hajj is the greatest manifestation of Muslim unity. 

“God invites Muslims, irrespective of creed or sect, to the place of peace and brotherhood. Hajj is the embodiment of unity and solidarity among Muslims,” he said. 

Stressing the need for unity among Muslims, Dr Najafi, who earned his doctoral degree at India’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), said anti-Muslim forces have launched a vicious propaganda campaign against Islam and efforts are being made to divide Muslims on sectarian lines. 

“There is a greater need for unity among the Muslims. We must try to implement the unity message of Hajj in our lives and get united to foil the nefarious designs of enemies,” he said. 

Referring to the international Hajj conference, Dr Najafi, who had come from Iran to attend the conference, said that the organizers received 40 articles written by Indian and Iranian scholars on the importance of Hajj. 

“Most of the write-ups have underscored the importance of unity and proximity among Muslims, which, to me, is need of the hour,” he said. 

He said that last year the Iranian Cultural House had received Hajj messages from India’s top political personalities like Mr Salman Khurshid, Dr Farooq Abdullah, and Mrs Sheila Dixit. 

“All of them called for promotion of inter-religious harmony,” he said.