AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The 1st meeting of the “Shiite Sects and Movements” committee was held in the meeting hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Qom.
In this meeting, the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “The characteristic of Islam is that it can establish dialogue and interact with the followers of all religions and sects. In the Holy Quran, God addresses all humans with the phrase “قُلْ يا أَهْلَ الْكِتابِ تَعالَوْا إِلى كَلِمَةٍ” (Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms) (3: 64). On the other hand, the jurisprudence of AhlulBayt (a.s.), as a comprehensive jurisprudence, seeks a peaceful life through interaction with religions and Muslims.”
Insulting the sanctities of other religions and sects is forbidden
Ayatollah Reza Ramazani further said, “We have many commonalities with other revealed religions. Muslims have commonalities in principles and sub-principles. From the Quranic culture, it is understood that it is forbidden to insult the sanctities of other religions. Muslims are even commanded not to blaspheme the idols of the pagans because they will in turn blaspheme the sacred things of Islam. Therefore, cursing, insulting, and verbal offense are not acceptable in any way in the culture of the Quran and the AhlulBayt (a.s.).”
“Our Sources of Emulation have issued a fatwa that “it is not permissible to insult the holy things of Muslims and other religions in any way.” Among others, Imam Khamenei and Grand Ayatollah Sistani have emphasized this, and they will not allow to insult the sanctities of other religions and religions in any way. Also, the scientific and practical tradition of Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) has always been that they respected the followers of other religions,” he added.
The professor of higher levels of Qom seminary said, “AhlulBayt (a.s.) debated and talked with scholars and followers of other religions and answered their questions. They used to come to the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) from different religions and schools of thought, and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) would hear their words and answer them. Since then, the dialogue with other religions has been raised in Islam.”
The Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly expressed, “All Sources of Emulation emphasize dialogue with others, and we should follow the Marjaiah. All Muslims have accepted the scientific and spiritual authority of AhlulBayt (a.s.). However, regarding the political authority, there are some differences between Sunni and Shiite scholars, which should be discussed in their place. In the books authored by Islamic scholars on this topic, the sanctity of AhlulBayt (a.s.) is accepted by all Muslims, and nowadays, even non-Muslims, write detailed books about AhlulBayt (a.s.). For example, some well-known Christian authors have written many books about AhlulBayt (a.s.). AhlulBayt (a.s.) can be a role model for all Abrahamic religions and all humanity.”
Referring to the opportunities created to introduce the AhlulBayt (a.s.) to human society, and on the possibility and necessity of following the example of the AhlulBayt (a.s.), Ayatollah Ramazani said, “We believe that AhlulBayt (a.s.) can be a role model for all Abrahamic religions, as well as for all humanity. Imam Hussain (a.s.), for example, is not only a role model for Shiites but for all Muslims. In this regard, Imam said: “I invite you to revive the tradition of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). Because tradition is dead, and heresy is alive.” From this, we understand that all Muslims can play a role in reviving the traditions of divine prophets, especially the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h).”
Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized, “Imam Hussain (a.s.) can be a role model for followers of all religions in another way. Imam said: “I invite you to Allah.” “Allah” has been the focus of calling all divine prophets. In another hadith, Imam Hussain (a.s.) said: “إِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَكُمْ دِينٌ وَ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَخَافُونَ الْمَعَادَ فَكُونُوا أَحْرَاراً فِي دُنْيَاكُمْ” (If you don’t have religion, and you don’t believe in Resurrection, be free people in your world.) We understand from this hadith that even those who do not have religion and do not believe in the Day of Resurrection should be free men, or at least be free about humanity and human teachings.”
At the end of his speech, Ayatollah Ramazani, Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly said, “We believe that Imam Hussain (a.s.) and other Infallible Imams (a.s.) are for all mankind. In theological debates, there is an important issue. That is, we believe that Imams are the Imams of humans and jinn. The Imam is not only the leader of humans but also of other beings. This statement applies to Imam Hussain (a.s.) and all the infallible Imams (a.s.). The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) was also sent to all mankind. That is why we read in the Holy Quran: “وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا” (We did not send you (Prophet Muhammad) for all mankind except to bring them glad tidings and to warn) (Quran, 34: 28). It means that the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) came for mercy and spreading it for all mankind. In another Quranic verse, we read: “وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ” (We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures) (Quran, 21: 107). The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) also said: “إنما بعثتُ رحمةً” (I have been sent to spread divine mercy.) “إنَّما بُعِثتُ مُعَلِّماً” (Therefore, I must be a teacher of mankind.) In this regard, God says: “وَ يُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتابَ وَ الْحِكْمَةَ” (to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom) (Quran, 62: 2).”
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