Cleric: Islamic commonalities are the main factor of cohesion in the Islamic world

According to the Taghrib News Agency, Hojjat al-Islam "Habibollah Babaei," at an elite gathering titled "Unity and Diversity in the Configuration of Islamic Civilization" held on the occasion of commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Leader of the Ummah, aimed at explaining the intellectual system of the two Imams of the Revolution at the "Vefagh" Hall of the Islamic Center of Golestan, referred to the views of some Islamic scholars and orientalists and stated: "What has turned the Islamic world into a single hand is the Quran, common beliefs and values, and a single semantic system formed in the light of religion."

According to him: "Love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) among Shia and Sunni, and even in some societies beyond religious boundaries, has paved the way for unity, heartfelt connection, and closeness among people, and this spiritual, moral, and civilizational asset must be given more attention."

The Deputy of Research of Iran's Seminary Schools for Women, emphasizing that the Holy Quran, common beliefs, and religious values have been the connecting factor of the Islamic Ummah, said: "In the current situation, to achieve a new Islamic civilization, we must rely on commonalities, ethics, love, scholarly dialogue, and extensive cooperation between seminary and academic centers."

He added: "One of the most important intellectual concerns in the history of Islamic civilization is the issue of diversity, multiplicity, and cultural variety in the Islamic world: what factor has connected Muslims across a vast expanse to a common identity and spirit?"

According to him: "Linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the Islamic world can become a civilizational capacity, provided that a single spirit of faith, divine values, and religious teachings flows among the Islamic Ummah."

Hojjat al-Islam Babaei, stating that religious unity does not prevent cultural diversity, said: "It is not necessary to abandon our mother tongue, history, and cultural identity for convergence and unity, because God Almighty created humans diverse so that recognition, interaction, and synergy could form among them. From this perspective, diversity can pave the way for civilizational richness."

He continued: "The advent of modernity in the Islamic world, in addition to some opportunities, has also created new gaps and multiplicities. Today, we face phenomena such as generational disconnection, individualism, lifestyle changes, and increasing social distances, and this issue doubles the necessity of rethinking the foundations of civilizational unity."

According to him: "In such circumstances, one of the most important ways to rebuild unity in the Islamic world is to strengthen religious rationality, dialogue, shared faith, as well as utilizing modern communication and media capacities, because the virtual space today can also be effective in shaping a virtual Ummah and a common intellect among Muslims."

The Deputy of Research of Iran's Seminary Schools for Women, emphasizing the role of ethics and love in achieving Islamic unity, said: "In human relationships, love and forgiveness can create a deeper and more lasting bond. Love, especially love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), is one of the most important cohesion-building capacities among Muslims and can turn diversities into opportunities for convergence."

He added: "The growth of seminary schools for women is one of the important and civilizational achievements of the Islamic Revolution. Today, sisters have studied or are studying in the field of religious sciences, and among them are educated and capable women in the fields of Islamic sciences and humanities who are a valuable asset for advancing scientific, cultural, and civilizational activities."

According to him: "The seminary for women is ready to benefit from the capacity of educated Sunni sisters and the communication network of the Islamic Center of Golestan in research fields, scientific meetings, publications, think tanks, and holding joint conferences."

Hojjat al-Islam Babaei, referring to the ways to achieve a new Islamic civilization, stated: "We need to strengthen the correct narrative of our capacities and commonalities, because the Western media space represents the differences of Muslims as more prominent than their commonalities."

He continued: "One of the most important steps for the formation of a new Islamic civilization is recognizing the front of truth and falsehood, increasing cohesion in the Islamic world, and scientific and elite dialogues among Muslims."