ALWAGHT- Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, cautioned against malicious efforts to create division and fuel religious tensions within the Islamic world, particularly between Shias and Sunnis in Iran. He emphasized that Muslim unity is a fundamental Quranic principle, rather than just a strategic approach.
In observance of Islamic Unity Week, a group of Sunni scholars and elders from across Iran met with Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran on Monday, September 16.
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the critical need to safeguard the Islamic Ummah's precious identity and highlighted the significance of unity among Muslims. He also warned of adversarial efforts aimed at weakening this essential solidarity.
"The identity of the Islamic Ummah is a core issue that transcends national boundaries, and no geographical borders can alter its essence," he stated.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that attempts to make Muslims indifferent to their Islamic identity are "in direct opposition to Islamic teachings, which state that a Muslim cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of fellow Muslims, whether in Gaza or elsewhere in the world."
He urged Sunni scholars to reinforce their dedication to the Islamic identity and the Ummah, while also drawing attention to the ongoing efforts of those who seek to fuel religious divisions, particularly in Iran.
“They attempt to divide Shias and Sunnis in our country and other Islamic regions by using intellectual, propagational, and economic means. They fuel anger and discord among Muslims by pressuring individuals on both sides to speak ill of each other,” the Leader said, as reported by Khamenei.ir.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that unity is the key to overcoming these conspiracies, explaining that unity is not merely a tactic, but a fundamental Quranic principle.
He also expressed regret over certain deliberate or unintentional actions that have sought to weaken the unity between Shia and Sunni communities.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the crucial objective of preserving the Islamic Ummah's honor can only be achieved through unity. "Today, it is undoubtedly our responsibility to support the oppressed people of Gaza and Palestine. Those who neglect this duty will surely be held accountable by God," he stated.
