Ehsaas International, an international social organization, hosted a delegation of Shi’ah and Sunni scholars from Iran who held a conference entitled “Bridging the Gap” in Srinagar, Kashmir. RNA – In an exclusive discussion with Rasa News Agency, Saif Ali Budgami said that on June 21st, Ehsaas International, an international social organization, hosted a cooperative delegation of Shi’ah and Sunni Muslim scholars from the Islamic Republic of Iran who held a conference entitled “Bridging the Gap” at the Institute of Hotel Management in Srinagar, Indian-occupied Kashmir. The conference was attended by leading Shi’ah and Sunni intellectuals of the Kashmir Valley.
The “Bridging the Gap” conference was set to instil the idea of living together with similarities and differences and highlight the culture of brotherhood and fraternity.
The guest of honour, Shaykh Ramin Gourchaei, a Sunni scholar from the Islamic Republic of Iran, spoke the conference, saying, “I found the people of Kashmir capable of being united, faithful and more Islamic. Unity is not difficult thing here. It is heavenly gift from God Almighty and I saw the people of Kashmir enjoying this gift. The fruits of unity are visible in Iran. It was only through unity and religious harmony that Iran became strong and we all must accomplish this. The enemies are not scared of any weapon. They are technically more powerful than us but what scares them is Muslim unity.”
It’s essential to mention that the Kashmir valley witnessed a visit by Sunni Iranian scholars for the very first time. The first visit of Sunni scholars has deepened and strengthened the roots of unity in the valley.
Hujjat al-Islam Mahdi Moshayedi, an Iranian Shi’ah scholar added, “We must be with the vision of unity in humanity but unfortunately we are unable to be united among ourselves. How do we speak of interreligious unity? People believe if we become united with one another we will have to surrender our basic beliefs and fundamentals but it’s all the opposite. Unity isn’t to surrender or shun our basics but living with them and accompanying other sects as well.”
The conference was concluded with an analytical debate and discussion between Kashmiri scholars and intellectuals and Iranian Sunni and Shi’ah scholars on obstacles on the path of unity. The delegation visited many cities of the Kashmir Valley and addressed both Shi’ahs and Sunnis in gatherings. They instilled the spirit of unity and brotherhood in the people.
The delegation pledged to keep no stone unturned in seeding and harvesting the fruits of unity and desired to continue this process of inviting groups and delegations of Shi’ahs and Sunnis from Iran.
Rasa News Agency
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