Message from the Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Noori Hamedani to the Opening Ceremony of the 38th Islamic Unity Conference

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master and Prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and virtuous family, especially the Awaited One, may Allah hasten his appearance.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Allah the Almighty has said in His Book:

» وَلَا تَکُونُوا کَالَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا وَاخْتَلَفُوا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْبَیِّنَاتُ وَأُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِیمٌ ».

"And do not be like those who divided and disagreed after the clear proofs had come to them; and they will have a great punishment."  (Surah Ᾱl-ʿImrān, Verse 105)

While extending my warm welcome to the esteemed guests participating in the 38th Islamic Unity Conference, I would like to briefly present some points as follows:

The necessity of unity among Muslims and the avoidance of division and discord for the growth and advancement of all Islamic nations is evident to all. The happiness of free and Muslim nations is contingent upon their unity and rapprochement. Naturally, division and discord are the sources of the misfortunes of Islamic nations, and it is undoubtedly the primary goal of imperialism to create discord and division among Islamic communities to exert control over them. Therefore, vigilance and awareness among all members of the Islamic community, especially scholars and intellectuals, is essential and unavoidable.

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, unity, connection, solidarity, and cohesion hold a special place. Allah, the Almighty, considers unity and cohesion as a means of elevation, and division as a cause of decline.

Based on the noble verse, (إِنَّ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُکُمْ أُمَّة وَاحِدَة وَأَنَا رَبُّکُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ) “Indeed, this is your nation, one nation, and I am your Lord; so worship Me,” Muslims are regarded as one community and should cherish this divine blessing by adhering to the belief in the One God and the message of revelation, which calls for brotherhood, and refraining from conflict:

وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُکُمْ.

“And do not dispute and lose heart and your momentum will depart.” Disputes and conflicts weaken them and undermine their power and dignity. Fostering division and creating discord and animosity among Muslims can lead to dire consequences.

The intended meaning of Islamic unity and brotherhood, as expressed in religious texts, is a unity that directs humanity toward the One God and a common goal. Thus, the Quran guides its followers toward the most refined love and the most beautiful equality with the statement:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ

“Indeed, the believers are brothers.”

Undoubtedly, to achieve Islamic unity and address the challenges facing Islamism, we must utilize diplomatic strategies and foster extensive communication among Islamic groups and countries, leveraging the constructive role of the Islamic Unity Forum. Confronting takfiri movements is, in fact, a foundation for establishing broad communication among Islamic groups and nations, which can facilitate the convergence of Islamic viewpoints and opinions against the threats posed by enemies.

In this context, the role of the Islamic Unity Forum in reducing strategic differences among Islamic countries and directing attention towards the Israel-Palestine conflict is particularly significant. On the other hand, a comprehensive crackdown on takfiri terrorist groups can create the groundwork for the unity of the Islamic community and the rejection of Islamophobia, as well as the expansion and propagation of prophetic Islam.

The necessity for the Islamic community to return to the teachings of the Holy Quran is currently very important and undeniable. Sadly, some Islamic nations today are in turmoil and crisis, which undoubtedly stems from the interference and conspiracies of global imperialism, especially the United States and its allies. Furthermore, some misguided and extremist media, as well as Western and Zionist outlets, continually fuel these conflicts and animosities due to their hostility toward Islam and Muslims, tarnishing the image of authentic Islam.

The discourse of opposing imperialism and supporting the oppressed stems from the unifying teachings of brotherhood in the Quran. Thus, when enemies assault the Islamic community, the necessity for the community to confront and respond to them becomes increasingly evident.

As you are aware, the central issue facing the Islamic world today is Palestine. Months have passed since the crimes of the Zionist apartheid regime in Gaza and other occupied areas of Palestine, including the massacre of over fifty thousand innocent Palestinian women and children in front of the global community, the numerous violations of human rights, and the destruction of homes, mosques, schools, hospitals, and even churches and religious temples, which illustrate the depths of cruelty and barbarism, and exemplify state terrorism.

Genocide, treason against humanity, and war crimes must be condemned. These crimes against the oppressed and defenseless people of Palestine constitute a clear violation of international law. Therefore, the violation of international laws by the child-killing Zionist regime and the continuation of assaults on the Gaza Strip require a decisive stance from Muslims around the world in support of the oppressed Palestinian people.

The rootless Zionist regime, by targeting civilians, including women and children, has crossed all red lines with the support of the United States and other Western allies. Muslims and all freedom-loving individuals worldwide must stand against these wild wolves and hold this occupying and usurping regime accountable for stopping its savage attacks.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to those involved in organizing the Unity Conference. I hope that the outcomes of this important conference will include comprehensive support for the axis of resistance in liberating the blessed Al-Quds and raising awareness of the brutal actions of the illegitimate occupying regime and its supporters in Gaza and other occupied areas. Furthermore, I expect that the outcome of this gathering will encourage the governments of Islamic countries to support the oppressed Palestinian people and completely sever any ties with this anti-human regime.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Hussein Noori Hamedani

27th of Shahrivar, 1403