RNA – Member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, Ayatollah Amini stated that the main source of the current conflict in Iraq is the ongoing discord between Sunnis and Shi’ites. “The enemies have always sought to create discord and conflict between Sunnis and Shi’ites and [every day] they are always striving harder to implement their [vicious] plots,” he explained.
“You know that there is [grave] danger in the discord between Sunnis and Shi’ites. However, it should be noted, due to the efforts of the [Iraqi] people and excellent leadership of Ayatollah Sistani, the ISIL terrorists have been driven back. However, this group still presents a dangerous and serious problem,” the renowned source of emulation added.
He made the remarks in his meeting with Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, the president of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, where they discussed the current situation in Iraq and the need to be vigilant against threats posed by the enemy to the unity of Muslims.
Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini explained that although Iran and Iraq are both independent countries, due to the presence of holy shrines of the Infallible Imams in Iraq, the heart of Iran is there. “Iran cannot remain indifferent to Iraq and the problems which exist there, it is a matter of concern to Iran,” he stated.
His Eminence expressed satisfaction with the improvement of Iraq and pointed out that he expects the situation to improve further, but stated that “we should realize that the enemy will always seek to implement plots which create differences among Iraqis.”
He pointed out that that is possible that the enemies have hired a number of ignorant people among both Sunnis and Shi’ites to create religious conflicts.
Ayatollah Amini also warned Iraqi Shi’ites about the irreparable consequences of divisive actions among some Shi’ite extremists, saying: “It is enough that a number of Shi’ite youth shout [inappropriate and malicious] slogans against Sunnis to create discord and enmity among Iraqis.”
“The seminaries must have sufficient awareness and be vigilant and do not allow people to be influenced by the remarks of a few [extremists],” the revered scholar added.
Emphasizing the importance of the unity of Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims Ayatollah Amini requested Sayyid al-Hakim to inform the seminarians that “they must not work against unity and must persist from creating discord and schisms. They should respect the holy personalities of the Sunnis and prevent ignorance. The actions of some of these ignorant individuals is of great concern [to us].”
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