Dissociation from Polytheists (Ritual)

Dissociation from Polytheists (Ritual)

The ceremony of declaring dissociation from polytheists by Iranian pilgrims at the Leader's headquarters in Arafat.
Time	days of Hajj
Place	Arafat, Mina or Mecca
Origin	declaration of disassociation from polytheists by the Prophet (s) and Imam 'Ali (a)
Hymns and Litanies	Anti-arrogance and unity slogans
Important Rites	Chest-beating, Iftari, Funeral Procession, Ta'ziya

The ceremony of disassociation from polytheists (Arabic:البَراءَة مِن المُشْرِكين في الحَجّ) is a ritual of Iranian pilgrims during Hajj, in which they march, chanting slogans against the United States, Israel, and calling for the unity of Muslims.

Disassociation from polytheists has both a Quranic origin and a jurisprudential basis. For the first time, after the conquest of Mecca, under the command of the Prophet (s), Imam 'Ali (a) recited the verses of disassociation in Mecca. This ceremony during Hajj was held for the first time in 1979 with the message of Imam Khomeini. The Saudi government opposed this ceremony, and in 1987, participants were attacked, resulting in the death and injury of many Iranian pilgrims.

Significance and Origin

The ritual of disassociation from polytheists is a religious-political tradition held annually during Hajj. The leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran consistently emphasize the importance of performing this ceremony to ensure that the political aspect of Hajj is maintained.

The purpose of this ritual is to declare disassociation from the imperialist policies of the infidels and polytheists, and to call for the unity of Muslims in opposing them. The issue of "negating polytheists" is mentioned in verses of the Quran, including Quran 60:4, Quran 9:1- 3, and Quran 6:19.

Disassociation from polytheists first took place after the conquest of Mecca, and God, through the revelation of the verses of disassociation (Quran 9:1- 10), commanded the Prophet to declare disassociation from the polytheists. Imam 'Ali (a) conveyed these verses during the Hajj of the ninth year AH/630- 1 CE. Regarding the reason for the revelation of these verses, it is said that the polytheists violated the treaty they had made with the Prophet (s) at the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, which required them to keep Mecca clear for the Muslims' pilgrimage for three days. Tafsir nimuna states that the polytheists repeatedly violated this treaty.

Manner of Practice

Between 1979 and 1987, Iranian pilgrims, and occasionally non-Iranian pilgrims, would gather at a designated location in Mecca before the start of the Hajj rituals. After listening to a speech analyzing the Islamic world and current global events, they would participate in a march.

Since the 2000s, this ceremony has been held on the morning of the Day of 'Arafa at the location of the Representative Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the 'Arafat desert. It begins with slogans such as "Death to Israel," "Death to America," "O Muslims, unite, unite," and "Division and discord are compliance with Satan," recited by both Iranian and non-Iranian pilgrims after the recitation of Quranic verses. Following this, the head of the Iranian pilgrims reads the message of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran in both Persian and Arabic. At the end, a resolution is read, and the pilgrims confirm it with Takbir after each section.

Jurisprudential Grounds

It has been reported that throughout the Hajj rituals, there is a clear emphasis on the rejection of polytheism and disassociation from polytheists. Among the most prominent rituals with this theme are the stoning of the Jamarat and the Talbiya, both of which carry the message of rejecting polytheism and disassociating from the polytheists. In explaining the disassociation from polytheists, Imam Khomeini asserts that this ritual comes in various forms, which should be carried out according to the time and circumstances. Thus, the best time and place for performing the ceremony of disassociation from polytheists is during the days of Hajj within the sanctuary, as it will have the greatest impact. As grounds of this directive, Imam Khomeini invokes the principles of Tawalli (association) and Tabarri (disassociation).

Some Sunni scholars have criticized this ceremony, citing the prohibition of dispute and contention during Hajj. In contrast, Shiite jurists consider this ceremony, in its general form, to be distinct from contentious argumentation, believing it will not lead to conflicts among Muslims.

History

It has been reported that this tradition was not performed during Hajj before the Islamic Revolution of Iran. Imam Khomeini is regarded as the reviver of the tradition of disassociation from polytheists during Hajj, as he introduced it after the Islamic Revolution. Therefore, Imam Khomeini is considered the founder of the Day of Disassociation from Polytheists.

The Bloody Hajj Pilgrimage

The Saudi government has opposed the holding of this ceremony in various periods. In 1987, when the pilgrims attempted to leave the ceremony of disassociation from polytheists and head towards al-Masjid al-Haram, they were attacked by Saudi police and security forces. In this incident, more than 500 pilgrims were killed and 700 others were injured. Following this event in 1987, the ceremony was prevented from being held until 1990; however, since 1991, the ceremony has been held in Mina and 'Arafat.

Monographs

The book Mabani-yi dini va siyasi-yi bara'at az mushrikin (The religious and political foundations of disassociation from polytheists) by Javad Varaei is written in Persian and published by Mash'ar Publishing.