Islamic unity essential to building a new world civilization, senior cleric

A member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts has stressed that Islamic unity is essential to the realization of a new world civilization based on justice, morality and spiritual values, saying division among Muslims is the main tool used by adversaries to prevent the Muslim world from achieving greater strength and independence.

Addressing the 40th International Conference on Islamic Unity, Hujjat-ul-Islam Ali Abbasi said the conference’s focus on Islamic unity in the thought of the martyred leader reflects a long-standing emphasis on bringing all members of the Muslim Ummah together.

The President of Al-Mustafa International University said true Islamic unity must encompass all members of the Muslim community, stressing that excluding any group from the circle of unity contradicts the very concept of Muslim solidarity.

The cleric said the ultimate goal of Islamic unity is not merely coexistence among Muslims, but the revival of a great Islamic civilization capable of contributing to a more just international system.

He contrasted this vision with what he described as a materialistic civilization based on domination, oppression and colonialism, saying such a system has sought for centuries to maintain political, economic, military and cultural influence over countries around the world.

Hujjat-ul-Islam Abbasi argued that the injustices evident in the current international system demonstrate the need for an alternative model based on justice, truth and freedom.

“Those who seek freedom and justice in the world should work toward achieving dignity, greatness and civilization,” he said.

According to thescholar, the Islamic Revolution’s pursuit of a new world order has been a major source of concern for Western powers. He said economic interests and political and military ambitions are among the factors behind Western policies toward the Islamic world, but argued that the deeper concern is the emergence of an alternative civilization and international system.

He stressed that unity among Muslims is the most important means of advancing this goal, while division is the main instrument used by adversaries to weaken the Muslim Ummah.

Citing the Holy Quran’s warning against disputes that weaken Muslims, he called on Islamic countries to strengthen solidarity and avoid relying on outside powers for their security.

He said the envisioned Islamic civilization should be an international system founded on moral, spiritual and just values and serving the interests of all humanity.

The senior scholar concluded by calling for greater Muslim unity and solidarity and prayed for the elevation of the status of the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution and Islamic Resistance.