Ayatollah Isa Qassim:

Ashura symbol for empathy between Muslims

Rasa – Leader of Shia Muslims in Bahrain Ayatollah Isa Qassim emphasised that Ashura is the secret to unity and the symbol for empathy between Muslims.

News ID: 3456

Date: 10 October 2015 - 13:12

RNA – Ayatollah Isa Qassim announced that the slogan for this year’s Ashura commemorations in Bahrain will be “Ashura for Islam, for reform, for unity” and stated that Ashura is the path of salvation for Islam and the ultimate model for reform.

He stated: “Any revolution that is based on the Quran… will bring reform with it.”

Ayatollah Isa Qassim continued: “It is Islam that gives reform its meaning, and politics and one’s own desires bring about no such reform. Reform must be inclusive, complete, and cover all aspects of life.”

On the topic of unity, he stated: “Ashura is the secret to unity because it shows that Islam is not exclusive to one specific group, rather that Islam is mercy, and this mercy belongs to all of humanity.”

“Islam has the ability to manifest the unity of all humanity, and is enthusiastic about it. It is only the framework of Islam which can bring about the unity of hearts and save people from division and turmoil.”

In closing, Ayatollah Isa Qassim emphasised the need to hold onto Ashura as a model for thought and behaviour, and to abandon attachment to material desires.

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