Iran’s envoy to the International Conference on Fighting Extremism in Cairo:

Iranian policies are based on the fight against Takfirism and violence

Rasa – Hujjat al-Islam Ahmad Moballeghi, the envoy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the recently concluded and Egyptian-hosted “International Conference on Fighting Extremism,” has met with the head of the renowned Sunni al-Azhar University in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

News ID: 1786

Date: 09 December 2014 - 20:26

RNA – Hujjat al-Islam Ahmad Moballeghi, the envoy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the recently concluded and Egyptian-hosted “International Conference on Fighting Extremism,” has met with Shaykh Ahmad al-Tayyeb, the head [Grand Imam] of the renowned Sunni al-Azhar University in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on bilateral relations, and Hujjat al-Islam Moballeghi emphasized that the general policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on the fight against Takfirism and violence.

He added that the Shi’ite sources of emulation organized a recently-held “International Congress on Extremist and Takfiri Movements in the View of Islamic Scholars” in the holy Iranian city of Qom. He informed Shaykh al-Tayyeb that these scholars have stated that they are looking forward to the results of this Cairo conference also.

Hujjat al-Islam Moballeghi called upon Egyptian scholars to enhance communication and engagement with the Islamic Republic, saying it will open a new chapter of relations, adding the atmosphere prevailing in the Iranian media is strongly motivated to fight Takfirism and the renouncement of extremism.

At the conference, Hujjat al-Islam Moballeghi presented a working paper entitled “Respect for Diversity and Peaceful Coexistence,” which called for the need to identify and document the presence of anti-Takfirist elements all Islamic sects, stressing upon the fact that Takfiri beliefs are far from true Islam.

The Iranian cleric also emphasized that Takfirism is based on murder and the killing of people, and said, “They (Takfiris) label Muslims as unbelievers and then kill them. Today, the issue (of Takfirism) has crossed borders and become a transnational problem for the regional countries,” he added.

The International Conference on Fighting Extremism was organized by al-Azhar University and was held from December 2 to 3. Representatives from both Shi’ite and Sunni Muslim communities, as well as Sabeans, took part in the gathering. The conference was aimed at countering threats posed by Takfiri groups and promoted peace, friendship, brotherhood and interaction among the different Islamic sects.

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