Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Calls for Islamic Unity as Key to Stability and Conflict Prevention

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Calls for Islamic Unity as Key to Stability and Conflict Prevention
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The Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, has stressed that Islamic unity is a fundamental necessity for security and stability, not merely a symbolic or emotional call, amid growing conflicts across the Muslim world. In remarks circulated by his office, the Grand Marja said divisions among Muslims have weakened societies and created openings for external forces to exploit internal disagreements.

He pointed to the governance of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) as a historical model of Islamic unity, noting that diverse groups with differing beliefs coexisted under a single state without repression or exclusion. According to his Eminence, that experience demonstrated that political authority bears responsibility for safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting human dignity, even in the presence of dissent.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi emphasized that genuine Islamic unity, in his view, is rooted in adherence to the leadership of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt, whom he described as embodying principles of justice, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He added that unity does not require eliminating differences, but managing them within a framework of mutual respect.

The supreme cleric said responsibility for promoting unity extends beyond religious scholars and leaders to all Muslims, urging collective efforts to reject internal conflict. He argued that unity based on these principles could strengthen justice, protect freedoms, enhance social cooperation and help build resilient states capable of containing disputes and ensuring long-term security.