Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called for increased unity among Muslims to counter major powers' divisive efforts.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with hajj officials in Tehran on Sunday.
The annual gathering of Muslims in Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage will begin in early October this year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
"Today, one of the most important issues facing the Muslim world is widespread efforts by major powers and their allies to create division among the Islamic ummah. Action should be taken to promote unity and understanding and resolve the issues that cause disagreement and suspicion using the unique opportunity of the hajj pilgrimage," the Leader said, IRNA reported.
"Muslims should take away the enemy's weapon through vigilance and empathy," he said.
He also said the "number one issue" facing the Muslim world is the Palestinian issue, adding the enemies of Islam provoke division among Muslims to divert their attention away from the issue to serve the interests of the Zionist regime.
Commenting on the recent Gaza war, Ayatollah Khamenei said the defeat of the Zionist regime, which is the symbol of the West's might in the region, by the besieged people of Gaza indicated that Muslims now have the upper hand in the conflict with Israel.
"The recent victory in Gaza showed that Muslims are powerful, have enormous capabilities, and are able to pose a challenge to the enemy and defend themselves," he added.
