“The most important and the greatest duty of the followers of the Islamic Prophet (PBUP), especially politicians, ulema, and intellectuals of the Islamic Ummah is the endeavor to bring about Islamic unity,” the Leader stated.
The Leader made the remarks in a meeting with the participants to the Islamic unity conference, top Iranian officials, Muslim countries’ ambassadors, etc.
The 22nd Islamic Unity Conference ended in Tehran on Sunday. The conference was hosted by the Forum for the Rapprochement of Islamic Schools in the world. 160 thinkers from 45 countries participated in the meeting.
The Supreme Leader pointed out that unity is the only solution to the current woes of the Islamic world.
“The realization of unity and overcoming the disseminators of schism needs diligence. Many problems of the Islamic world will be solved as a result of the unity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic factions should respect the beliefs of other groups.
“There is no problem to hold discussions and arguments over beliefs and values in academic circles. However, these scholarly discussions should not turn into smears in public.”
Commenting on efforts by enemies to sow discord among Muslims, the Leader noted, “Muslims should be very vigilant and cautious in face of the plots and plans of the enemies in order not to be taken hostage by their schemes.”
“Unfortunately, sometimes some of the Muslims or the Islamic states become a tool for creating schism (among Muslims),” the Leader pointed out.
On the 22-day war of Gaza, the Supreme Leader emphasized, “The Palestine issue is an Islamic issue and is not limited to Arabs or non-Arabs. If ethnicity enters the Islamic world, the greatest factor in bringing about split is created.”
“The role of ulema, intellectuals, and the influential figures in the Islamic world is countering split among the Muslims.
He also said recognizing the “main sources of these divisions are very important.”
Over 1500 Gazans were killed and 5000 others wounded during the Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip in January.
HK/PA
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MNA