Regarding the event, Taqrib reporter spoke with one of the Indian group members, Sher Mohammed Jafri, the representative of Iranian Muslim residents in Mumbai.
Would you give us a picture of Muslim’s condition in India?
The only problem is Wahhabis nothing else. Actually in India Hanafies, Shafeies, Malekies and other people from different Islamic Schools of thought live together without any problem.
Muslims’ condition in India, especially in the field of Culture is very good. We have a strong history of Islam because we have deep rooted culture, of course not like Iranian people. Iranian people have a long history of Islam but after that we have it in India. So considering culture issues, we are so strong.
Do Sunni and Shia people get along well with each other in India?
Yes, the only problem we have is Wahhabis people. They are saying we are not Muslim. This is a very small and big problem. They are saying if a Wahhabi kills a Muslim, he will go to heaven.
The only problem is Wahhabis nothing else. Actually in India Hanafies, Shafeies, Malekies and other people from different Islamic Schools of thought live together without any problem.
How do you appraise the role of Islamic Unity in making proximity Among Muslims?
The world Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought does a big job for Muslims. Among all of the Islamic countries only Taqrib Mazaheb in Iran does this job for Muslim people. No country has such program.
Most of the countries limit their activities and programs to just political ones. The only country that holds a unity conference every year to make a proximity among Muslims is Islamic republic of Iran and the only organization is Taqrib Mazaheb.
How do you appraise the role of Government in providing amicable condition for more cooperation among Muslims?
Governments can be so effective in this way. Fortunately Shia community in India is strong these days and after 15 years the Government supports us more than before. I can say Scholars and Islamic experts are so intelligent and the current condition for more discussion is more suitable these days.
that the future of not only Shia people but also all the Muslims is so hopeful.
Scholars and Islamic experts are so intelligent and the current condition for more discussion is more suitable these days, Muslims can use this condition for spreading the concepts of Islam.
My last question is about Shia community in Malaysia. As you know prominent scholars have strongly criticized the persecution of Shia Musims in Malaysia, suggesting that the country was moving towards “Talibanization”.
After the victory of Islamic Revolution of Iran, the name of Shia has been raised.
I'm just wondering why Shia people should face with this harsh condition in their own country, tell us about your view point.
They( the government) are frightened. After the victory of Islamic Revolution of Iran, the name of Shia has been raised. From the network, Radio, Television and every where the name of shia has been raised.
So the governments try to avoid Shia sector to be powerful and active. I think all of these actions show that they are so frightened.
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