In Kurdistan Province, two guests of the 40th International Conference on Islamic Unity—Sheikh Zuhair Othman Al-Jaeed, Secretary-General of the Islamic Action Movement in Lebanon, and Dr. Moritie Kamara, Professor of International Law and an academic figure from the University of Côte d’Ivoire—took part in a number of programs held during Unity Week.
On 3 Shahrivar 1405, the two distinguished guests delivered addresses at the International Conference on “Islamic Unity: The Enduring Legacy of the Martyred Imam (RA) and the Future of the Islamic World,” held at the Grand Islamic Center of Sanandaj.
Sheikh Zuhair Al-Jaeed: Unity as a Strategic Imperative for the Muslim Ummah
In his address, Sheikh Zuhair Al-Jaeed emphasized the necessity of unity among Muslims, describing efforts to create division under the banner of either Shiism or Sunni Islam as contrary to the Islamic responsibility of preserving solidarity among Muslims.
Referring to the origins of the idea of “Unity Week,” he described it as an opportunity to transform an issue that had been a source of disagreement into a platform for greater unity and rapprochement among Muslims. He also emphasized the position of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a shared focal point of love and devotion for Muslims.
Drawing on his memories of 1982 and the period of the Israeli assault on Lebanon, Sheikh Al-Jaeed referred to the experience of cooperation between Sunni and Shia scholars in Lebanon, presenting it as an example of the importance of Muslim solidarity and convergence in the face of shared challenges and threats.
Concluding his remarks, he emphasized that Muslim unity is not a temporary slogan, but rather a strategic imperative for preserving the cohesion and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah.
Dr. Moritie Kamara: Unity as a Discourse Beyond Borders
Dr. Moritie Kamara, for his part, described unity as a concept deeply rooted in human nature and emphasized the importance of strengthening the discourse of unity throughout the Islamic world.
Referring to the Quran as a shared foundation among Muslims, he stressed the importance of preserving unity despite differences in religious interpretation and called for the continuation of a discourse of rapprochement and understanding among future generations.
Dr. Kamara also highlighted the importance of extending the discourse of unity beyond the borders of the Middle East and giving greater attention to Muslim communities across Africa. He stressed the need to establish appropriate frameworks and opportunities for introducing, developing, and further advancing this discourse.
During their visit to Kurdistan Province, Sheikh Zuhair Al-Jaeed and Dr. Moritie Kamara visited the Imam Shafi'i Religious School, the Khadijah Women's Religious School, and the Imam Shafi'i Specialized Center for Islamic Sciences in Sanandaj.
