Rigid Sectarian Perceptions Pose Greatest Danger to Islamic Ummah: Iranian Cleric

IQNA – A senior Iranian cleric described rigid sectarian perceptions as the greatest danger to the Muslim Ummah.

Ayatollah Ahmad Moballeghi, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, made the remark in an address to the opening ceremony of an international Islamic dialogue conference in Manama, Bahrain.

Themed “One Nation, Common Destiny”, the conference has been jointly organized by Egypt’s Al-Azhar Islamic Center, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders on February 19-20.

Al-Azhar chief Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb is among over 400 Muslim scholars, leaders, intellectuals, and thinkers from 64 countries attending the conference.

In his speech, Ayatollah Moballeghi said the greatest danger for the Ummah is that narrow sectarian views may arise, transforming the broad horizon of religious law into a restrictive constraint, turning it from a force for progress into a chain that hinders the Ummah’s movement.

There is no way for a nation to prosper and the religion to shine on the global stage, except through Islamic brotherhood and unity, he underlined.

He also said the concept of unity has deep roots in the land of Egypt, where the House of Proximity was established to raise the flag of unity and understanding.

Following this path, the Islamic Republic of Iran founded the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought to keep the torch of convergence and brotherhood burning, he noted.

The cleric added that all Muslims look towards Al-Azhar, which holds a broad horizon and a high status, to remain on the path of unity, fulfill its requirements, meet its demands, and constantly keep the banner of affection and solidarity raised.

The conference title, “One Nation, Common Destiny”, highlights the importance of strengthening common ground among Muslims and uniting efforts to face current challenges, in a way that aids in achieving greater solidarity and integration among Muslim nations.

It is also held with the aim of strengthening Islamic dialogue and consolidating the values of understanding and convergence among the components of the Islamic Ummah. For this purpose, prominent common issues and challenges are discussed, emphasizing the importance of pluralism and diversity as sources of strength and unity among Muslims.

4267291