Saudi Arabia draws the line: No political agendas at hajj

Saudi Arabia announced a ban on "misuse of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj for political or sectarian purposes," stressing that no one will be allowed entry to the country for "acts that disturb public security and law and order."

According to draft regulations released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims are forbidden from bringing any prohibited items, such as pictures, books, flags, slogans, political publications, or other banned materials, into Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Gazette.

Pilgrims are strictly barred from engaging in activities or gatherings that could disrupt public order, security, tranquility, or health, as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, which places significant emphasis on the intertwining of religion and politics, has long marked the "Disavowal of Polytheists" ceremony as a politically charged ritual. Since the 1979 revolution, Iranian pilgrims in Mecca have observed this ceremony, traditionally accompanied by the chant of "Death to America." However, in 1987, this ritual led to a tragic confrontation between Shia demonstrators and Saudi Arabian security forces, resulting in the deaths of over 400 individuals.

In the aftermath of the 1987 incident, the Islamic Republic refrained from holding the ceremony for several years. It wasn't until 2001 that it was reintroduced, albeit in a symbolic and significantly scaled-down form. Since then, it has been conducted within the confines of a closed tent operated by the office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

However, almost during every annual hajj pilgrimage there have been incidents involving some Iranians and Saudi authorities related to political manifestations. The Iranian regime, sending its supporters to the hajj, seems eager to use the opportunity to steer up sentiments during the most important Islamic gathering.

Iranian authorities and state media also describe another religious act, the Arbaeen Walk to sites in Iraq, which attracted over 3.6 million Iranian participants this year, as an expression of “Shia soft power.” This characterization highlights a divergence in how mass religious gatherings are perceived and managed, with Iran framing such events as a display of cultural and sectarian influence, while the Saudi regulations for Hajj stress the importance of maintaining political neutrality and public order during religious pilgrimages.

The Arbaeen ceremony, marking the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura—which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the third Shia Imam and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad in 680 AD—is recognized as the world's largest annual gathering.

Traditionally, Shia Muslims convene in Karbala, Iraq, at the burial site of Imam Hussain to observe Arbaeen. Pilgrims often undertake extensive journeys on foot, spanning hundreds of kilometers, to reach the shrine of Imam Hussain and other significant Shia sites. This mass pilgrimage not only serves as a religious expression but also provides a fertile ground for the dissemination of Iranian propaganda and influence among other pilgrims during the ceremonies.