Holding Islamic Unity Conference Shows Iran’s Attention to Muslim World Issues
Sheikh Khaled al-Mulla made the remark at the opening ceremony of the 36th International Islamic Unity Conference here in Tehran on Wednesday.
He began his address by paying tribute to former commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Lt. General Qassem Soleimani and deputy commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were martyred in an US attack in January 2020.
He said Iran attaches importance to the issue of the Muslim Ummah, including the situation in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and elsewhere, and that is why the Islamic Republic is the target of animosities.
Al-Mulla referred to recent tensions and street protests in some Muslim countries and said that the enemies have failed in their plots against the Muslim Ummah and attempts to foment discord between Shia and Sunni Muslims and are now plotting to provoke riots.
The world arrogance seeks to create strife and wants to plunder Muslims’ wealth, he said, adding that the schemes will get nowhere as the Muslim Umamh will remain united and steadfast.
He also hailed the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said people worshipped idols and spread corruption before the prophethood of the last messenger of God.
God, via His last prophet, sent guidance to the people, al-Mulla went on to say.
Some 200 foreign guests from 60 countries and 100 Iranian guests will address the conference in person and virtually.
The guests will visit the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini on Wednesday afternoon before attending the general assembly of the conference on Thursday.
Participants will meet with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Friday before concluding the event by issuing a statement.
The International Islamic Unity Conference is annually held in Iran by the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) on the occasion of the Islamic Unity Week.
The 17th day of Rabi al-Awwal, which falls on October 13 this year, is believed by Shia Muslims to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), while Sunni Muslims regard the 12th day of the month (Sunday, October 9) as the birthday of the last prophet.
The interval between the two dates is celebrated every year as the Islamic Unity Week.
Late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini (RA) declared the occasion as the Islamic Unity Week back in the 1980s.
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