Guidelines on Shia-Sunni unity

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Shia scholar Mohammad Hassan Zamani, International deputy of Iran seminaries attended an open discussion panel in Qom Seminary giving various aspects and definitions on Muslim unity.He provided a peaceful coexistence, polite expression of teachings and avoiding clashes among Islamic denominations as the primitive definition of unity when each denomination obeys the values and principles of its faith.According to this scholar a second definition for Muslim unity is familiarity of different denominations with the principles of other Islamic schools of thought.He criticized the accusations and wrong beliefs related to the Shia calling Sunni scholars for more interaction and familiarity with Shia fiq’h so that their misunderstandings were cleared.Still another definition in view of Hujjat-ol-Islam Zamani was cooperation for their common interests in different arenas including, defending against common enemies, economic, scientific, academic cooperation.This Shia figure praised an exchange of views and providing reasons for mutual understanding and also persuasion as the perfect level of Islamic unity saying there was no concern over dialogue with Sunni Muslims.A member of Al-Mustafa International University said, “The first reason is the Qur’anic verses that warn Muslims against disagreement and sedition.” Adding, “Muslim disagreement distances them from unity and brings many problems for their community.”In view of this Muslim scholar, another reason for necessity of Muslim unity is the scientific and technological developments which will be achieved in light of Muslim unity.He stressed the lifestyle of the household of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as another motivation for unity of Muslims.Hujjat-ol-Islam Zamani also hailed the views of late Imam Khomeini (RA) on the necessity of Shia Sunni unity and lauded the fatwa issued by the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, banning desecration of the household of prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as other reasons that have to be maintained to boost Muslim unity.He stressed unity as the element which aided victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and said 50 Sunni martyrs is a proof on the sacrifice that Sunni Muslims made for the victory of the Revolution.Islamic Awakening, recognition of Shia School, publication of books by Shia authors in Al-Azhar and launching a seat for Shia fiq’h in Al-Azhar were counted by the scholar as some other achievements of Shia-Sunni unity. /129