A letter from Proximity of Schools of Thought to Al-Azhar

The secretary general of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) has called for efforts to tap into the potential of Sunni and Shiite scholars, saying that unity in the Islamic world is direly needed to address the threats posed by Takfiri groups.

Ayatollah Mohsen Araki made the plea in a letter to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb following the latter’s speech on the need for top Sunni and Shiite scholars to have more interaction and discuss proximity [among Islamic denominations] and the threats posed by Takfiri groups.

Ettela’at newspaper on August 15 published Ayatollah Araki’s letter to the Grand Imam in which he has welcomed the idea of holding joint sessions. The following is the translation of the letter:

To revered Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

I have heard many of your speeches on different occasions, the last one of which focused on your blessed call for the holding of a joint session between Sunni and Shiite scientists to discuss the issues of the world of Islam; make coordination and take joint steps to face the threat posed by Takfiri terrorists; and prevent measures which may divide the Sunnis and Shiites in the world of Islam.

The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) appreciates your worthwhile, fatherly stance which has injected new life to the hopes of all those who seek to make reforms and bring religious sects and denominations closer together.

By taking such a stance, Al-Azhar University – which plays a basic, pivotal role in the Islamic Ummah – can [help] create unity among Muslims, and solve momentous issues of the Islamic world, especially the problems arising from sectarian violence and Takfiri terrorism.

The WFPIST voices its readiness to take the necessary measures [in this regard] to lend support to your reformist and proximity-focused efforts, especially the implementation of the proposals put forward by a joint Sunni-Shiite committee.

The WFPIST will send a delegation of the greatest Sunni and Shiite scholars to meet with you, launch cooperation to implement such proposals and take effective steps to help materialize unity in the Muslim world.

Many thanks

The head of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought

Ayatollah Mohsen Araki