RNA – In an exclusive interview with Rasa News Agency, Ayatollah Ahmad Beheshti, a representative of the people of Fars province in the Assembly of Experts, discussed the importance of Islamic unity on the eve of “Islamic Unity Week.”
Speaking in regard to Islamic Unity Week, Ayatollah Beheshti stated that differences between Muslims are due to prejudice. “If Muslims pay attention to the just and rational teachings of Islam, they will not find any reason to create discord and schisms [between various sects],” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the unity and solidarity of the Muslim world. Muslims should pay attention to the many commonalities and interact in a peaceful and brotherly manner with each other and not pay attention to their differences and allow their pious scholars to solve their religious differences.
Ayatollah Beheshti stated that “Islamic Unity Week,” was named by the late Imam Khomeini and is an important occasion in the Islamic calendar. Islamic Unity Week is marked between the 12th and 17th of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal to mark the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.
“Imam Khomeini stated that monotheism, the Great Prophet [Muhammad] and the Noble Quran were the main factors for unity in Islam and thus, this week was named ‘Unity Week,’” His Eminence stated.
The renowned scholar referred to the extremist and Takfiri phenomena striking at the Islamic world, saying: “Extremist groups often suffer from ignorance in relation to Islam and the Quran. They believe that only their interpretation is correct and call anyone who disagrees with them a ‘infidel’ and accuse them of idolatry and polytheism and say that they have left Islam. They are an obstacle to the spread of Islam in the world.”
Ayatollah Beheshti blamed the role of the colonizing and imperial powers for the spread of prejudice and hostility among the various Islam schools of thought, stating that the divisiveness among Muslims is due to “self-flagellation, insulting the religious sanctities of others and extreme prejudice” among Muslims. This divisiveness is due to the role of the colonial powers and also due to Muslims following ignorant [leaders] throughout their history.
He emphasized that fighting against the Takfiri phenomenon is necessary, saying that in the first stage Takfiris must be advised and admonished and in the second stage, their activities will be deterred by the arrival of security. He emphasized that the Takfiri phenomenon is supported by the arrogant Western powers and their regional allies.
In conclusion, Ayatollah Beheshti stated that by following the path of Wilayah al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurisprudent) and staying away from marginal and extremist groups, along with the acceptance of religious teachings in regard to guardianship, is the best way to avoid extremism and stay on the path of moderation.
111/112