Hajj Offers Platform for Islamic Unity, Solidarity with Palestine, Expert Says

Professor Maszlee bin Malik, a distinguished Malaysian academic and former Minister of Education, provided his perspectives in an interview with Tasnim News Agency. The conversation focused on this year’s Hajj theme, “Hajj: A Quranic Journey, Solidarity, and Support for the Oppressed Palestine.” Maszlee emphasized Hajj’s transformative potential to foster Muslim unity, form a bridge between Sunni and Shiite communities, and promote advocacy for the Palestinian cause.

The following is the full text of the interview:

Tasnim: In your view, what are the key capacities of the great Hajj congregation in promoting Islamic unity, advancing the progress of Muslim countries, strengthening friendships, and reducing conflicts?

Prof. Malik: According to Dr. Ali Shariati in his book Hajj, the pilgrimage is not only a personal spiritual journey but also a powerful collective experience with immense potential for social and political transformation in the Muslim world.

Hajj is the most vivid symbol of Islamic unity.

Millions of Muslims from diverse races, nationalities, and cultures gather wearing the same simple clothing, performing the same rituals. This uniformity erases superficial differences and reminds Muslims of their shared identity, values, and purpose. Hajj, therefore, becomes a rehearsal for global Islamic solidarity.

Similarly, the Hajj gathering is a rare opportunity for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and awakening among Muslims.

If the Hajj is approached with awareness and purpose, it can be a forum for discussing challenges, sharing knowledge, and devising strategies for the social and political development of Muslim nations. In the same manner, The universal congregation of Hajj offers the chance to build personal and communal relationships that transcend national and sectarian boundaries.

These connections can foster mutual understanding and empathy among Muslims, laying the groundwork for a more cooperative and compassionate global community.

Finally, Hajj is also a counter to divisiveness. By experiencing unity in worship and purpose, Muslims can overcome internal divisions. Through sincere dialogue and shared spiritual experience, conflicts may be softened and resolved.

In essence, Hajj is not merely a ritual—it is a transformative platform that, if utilized with awareness, can serve as a catalyst for unity, awakening, and reform across the Muslim world.

Tasnim: Do you believe the Islamic world has fully utilized the immense potential of Hajj in past years? If not, what has been missing?

Prof. Malik: What is missing is the spirit and ethical part of Hajj. Muslim countries should properly manage their pilgrims (hujjaj) and become exemplars to humankind with their proper organization and their akhlaq (manners). When we are all properly and professionally organized, only then can we start approaching the ideals element of Hajj. Otherwise, we might end up in chaotic situations.

Tasnim: What practical strategies would you suggest to better use the Hajj for improving relations among Islamic nations and peoples?

Prof. Malik: I think it should start with proper organization of the pilgrims themselves first.
We just couldn’t imagine when you are drowning with philosophical ideals of Hajj but your pilgrims are not well managed, not well organized and behave chaotically during the Hajj season.

I would suggest Muslim countries learn and emulate the way the Malaysian government via its Hajj agency called Tabung Haji organizes the pilgrims during the Hajj season.

After we have ourselves fully managed and fully disciplined, we can make wonders.

Tasnim: How do you think this year’s Hajj can contribute to supporting the oppressed people of Palestine? What do you believe are the expectations of the people of Gaza from this year’s pilgrims?

Prof. Malik: We should start with a simple message to all pilgrims to pure their heart during the day of Arafah and dedicate a special dua from the bottom of their heart for Masjid al-Aqsa, Baytul Maqdis (al-Quds), the people surrounding it and the whole Ummah. If all pilgrims started dedicating a specific dua like this in Arafat, they will come back to their country with a new spirit of Ummatic revivalism.

Tasnim: What special initiatives have Islamic countries, including yours, planned this year to utilize the capacities of Hajj? What is your key advice to pilgrims?

Prof. Malik: Effective organization and discipline are essential. Malaysia, through its Tabung Haji agency, consistently prioritizes these values. Pilgrims are advised to approach Hajj with sincerity and discipline, ensuring their actions embody the pilgrimage’s spiritual and ethical principles.

Tasnim: What potential does Hajj hold for enhancing unity between Shiite and Sunni Muslims? In your opinion, how can we best benefit from this opportunity?

Prof. Malik: Hajj should be an event where Muslims regardless of their sect or mazhab (denomination) to love the Quran, and rekindle their relationship and love with the Quran.

When everybody loves the Quran, their heart will be close to each other, regardless of their mazhab.
More and more events about the Quran, especially the verses that contain scientific facts and relationships with Allah through the Quran should be organized. It is through the Quran and the love for the Quran that Sunnis and Shiites could be united.