Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Difference Among the Ummah Mean Exchange of Ideas, Not Conflict

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Hosseini al-Shirazi led his daily scholarly session on Tuesday, 23 Jumada al-Awwal, where his Eminence responded to various jurisprudential questions from attendees.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi referenced a hadith from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) stating that “the difference among my community is a mercy.” He also pointed out a verse from the Holy Quran urging believers to hold firmly to the rope of God and not to be divided. He explained that “difference” has two meanings: the first refers to conflict, which was not the intent of the Prophet’s hadith. The Supreme Marja elaborated that the second meaning of difference is “interaction” or “exchange.”

Additionally, he emphasized that in various hadiths, including the Ziyarat al-Jami’a and the Ziyarat of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), it is mentioned that the shrine of Imam Hussein is a place of interaction for angels.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi reiterated that the difference among the Ummah should be understood as opportunities for the exchange of ideas, not as conflicts. His Eminence stressed that Islam grants freedom to everyone in all aspects, including thought and intellect.