Exploring the Communal and shared Aspects of Hajj and Modern Islamic Civilization in the Thought of Ayatollah Khamenei

Hajj, as a comprehensive religious rite with unique characteristics, had a high capacity to play a role in Islamic civilization and has it now. Hajj has a special place in the intellectual system of the Supreme Leader. He considers Hajj to be “an example of a superior Islamic society and a new Islamic civilization.” This particular analogy raises the question about the relationship between these two phenomena. In other words, what are the characteristics and components of Hajj that give it such a capacity? Exploring the thought of Ayatollah Khamenei and using a descriptive-analytical method, the article attempts to answer those question. The findings of this study indicate that among the innumerous features of Hajj, the three basic characteristics of comprehensiveness, shaping cohesion and otherness play a very important role in making civilization. The most important common feature of Hajj and modern Islamic civilization is the comprehensiveness and symmetry of the material and spiritual dimensions of the two. The manifestation of spirituality in its highest form, along with the material dimensions and benefits of Hajj, has made it an example of an ideal Islamic society. In addition to this feature and many other features, the cohesiveness of Hajj, which is present in all components of Hajj, and the otherness, which is especially manifested in hating enemies of Islam (Barat), have given Hajj a high capacity of civilization.