Ahmad Rafi’e, who is an Indonesian academic, the head of the Java Majlis al-Ulama (assembly of scholars), along with some leading Indonesian figures met up with Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Ali Qadhi A’skar, who is a representative of the Supreme Leader and the supervisor of the Iranian pilgrims. Their meeting was held at the Supreme leader’s office in Mecca.
At this meeting A’skar said that he believed Hajj to be an opportunity for Muslims to get to know each other and that “Hajj should be used as a tool, which helps us to become acquainted with other Muslim countries and solve the issues Muslims have.”
The Supreme Leader’s representative pointed out the attacks on Palestine, the bombings on Afghanistan by NATO’s forces, and the famine in Somalia and said: “Hajj can be a time when the leaders and academics of different Muslim countries, exchange views and ideas in order to find a solution to these problems.” Division was another major problem in the Muslim world according to Qadhi A’skar and “Hajj is an opportunity to spread unity among Muslim countries”.
Qadhi A’skar also stated that Hajj can be used to expand the economy of the Muslim World and added: “The Muslim world economists can come together at Hajj time and make it a priority to buy goods from Muslim countries only. This will result in creating jobs for the young and eradicating financial corruptions.”
Qadhi A’skar insisted that Iran and Indonesia should exchange experiences and expertise on the topic of Hajj and how to deal with all issues related to their countries’ pilgrims, and provide these experiences to other Islamic countries. “There is a lot of room for Iran and Indonesia to work together”.
Ahmad Rafi’e was also of the view that, like Iran, Indonesia finds unity among Muslims and solving the problems of Islamic societies important and essential. He added: “We are trying to solve the issues of poverty and division. We hope that the Muslim world will unite. Iran can help Muslim countries to unite more.” Rafi’e also suggested that Iran and Indonesia help each other in educational and cultural fields especially in Islamic studies.
(Source: Mehr Newsagency)