Rasa News Agency reports from Qom – Ayatollah Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, head of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute has met with Shaykh Dr. Ahmad Mahmoud Karimah, the director of the Department of Contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence at Egypt’s famous al-Azhar University. The two scholars discussed protecting Muslim unity, pointing to the strong expression of devotion and love that many Sunnis have toward the Ahlul-Bayt (A).
Shaykh Karimah pointed out that many Sunnis are also fascinated by the Ahlul-Bayt (A) and stated that the Ahlul-Bayt (A) are a major factor for unity among Muslims. This is the reason why the Holy Quran says “Say, ‘I do not ask you any reward for it except the love of [my] relatives.’” [42:23] Ayatollah Mesbah explained that he said to Shaykh Karimah: “I told him ‘I think many Egyptians are lovers of the Ahlul-Bayt (A),’ and he replied, ‘not only are we lovers but we are also charmed and captivated by the Ahlul-Bayt (A).’”
Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi explained that the enemies’ attempt to sow division between Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims is an evil and satanic act. Some Sunnis have spread false rumours that about Shi’ite theology and religious practices but Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi stated that no Shi’ite believes any of these so-called beliefs, nor do they have any basis in Shi’ite sources. These false beliefs were created by the enemies of Islam to sow dissension among Muslims. “How can someone who believes in God and His revelations have these thoughts in their head?” the Shi’ite source of emulation stated.
He stated that differences among people are natural, and that all Muslims believe that Islam is the true religion and is the most complete religion which was revealed gradually by a line of divine prophets from Adam to the Prophet Muhammad, who is the seal of the prophets. These are principles of consensus among both Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims and any disagreement in regard to other beliefs is normal and should not cause damage the unity of Muslims.
Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi concluded by stating that Islam is a trust from God which was bestowed upon Muslims and He wants us to understand Islam better so that we can be purified and reject false beliefs and thoughts. Accomplishing these divine duties will help us achieve success.
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