Senior Shia cleric: Takfiris spread Islamophobia

At the beginning of the meeting, Ayatollah Arafi welcomed the Pakistani delegation to Qom and made remarks on the characteristics of genuine Islam and its principles; he said, "Today, the takfiris' interpretation of Islam has caused increasing Islamophobia worldwide; but what has been promoted and highly emphasized in Qom and the Islamic Revolution is the reality of Islam and its genuine principles. In this true interpretation of Islam, takfirism and terrorism are strongly condemned.

The Shia cleric further referred to the international conferences held in Iran for the purpose of approximating Islamic sects and to increase Islamic unity among nations; "In recent years, several international conferences have been held in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in the city of Qom, to condemn takfiri thoughts and religious extremism; the basic principle of Iran's Islamic Revolution is to increase religious solidarity and Islamic unity among different Muslim sects and countries." Ayatollah Arafi added.

"The Islamic Revolution highlights Islamic unity and solidarity among Muslim nations beyond ethnic and racial boundaries." said Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan asserted, " The city of Qom and the holy shrine of Lady Masuma (sa) are so important to us that we decided to come here straight after landing in the Airport in Tehran."

He added," I'd like to thank the people of Qom for their efforts in introducing the Muslim nations to genuine Islam and its valuable teachings; it must be noted that those who carry out their terrorist plots under the name of Islam are not considered as Muslim. Knowledge and education are the best ways to combat these anti-Islamic terrorist measures."

"The students learn the true Islamic sciences in Qom, not those thoughts which are spread by takfiris." Ayaz added.

Stressing the critical role of Iran and Pakistan in the region, Ayaz went on, "Iran is considered as the most important country in the region since it entails scientific Islamic values; Pakistan, due to its close geographical position to Iran and its people's Islamic beliefs, can enhance its cooperation with Iran on different levels, especially in the field of scientific interactions."



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