Tehran | WTNS | Sep 22:The 38th edition of the International Islamic Unity Conference has officially commenced in Tehran, drawing hundreds of Shia and Sunni scholars from across the globe. With a focus on fostering unity and addressing pressing issues in the Muslim world, the conference has attracted over 200 religious leaders, intellectuals, and academics.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian inaugurated the event, emphasizing the need for Islamic unity in light of ongoing global crises. In his keynote speech, Pezeshkian called for Muslim scholars to adopt a united approach, stressing the importance of tolerance, peace, and cooperation. He urged Muslim nations to set aside their differences, noting that by standing together, they could effectively counter external threats, including the escalating violence in Gaza.
“The Israeli regime continues its brutal attacks, killing innocent civilians because Muslims are not united enough to stand against it,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting the recent Gaza conflict, where over 41,250 Palestinians have been killed.
The president also proposed initiatives to enhance cooperation among Muslim countries, including the development of a regional railway network to facilitate greater economic and social ties.
The conference, which runs from September 19 to 21, focuses on the theme “Islamic Cooperation to Achieve Common Values with Emphasis on the Palestinian Issue.” Scholars and activists from over 150 countries are participating, with discussions centering on resistance to Israeli aggression, unity in the Islamic world, and promoting peace.
Hujjat-ul-Islam Hamid Shahriari, Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, praised the conference’s growing impact, stating that the event has created a global discourse on Islamic unity. He highlighted the importance of
confronting the Israeli regime, noting that resistance efforts, such as the “al-Aqsa Flood” operation by Palestinian forces, have mobilized global opposition against Israeli atrocities.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, addressed the participants, calling for a unified Muslim front to “sweep out the Zionist enemy.” He stressed that unity among Muslim countries is essential for safeguarding their economic, cultural, and security interests.
The conference’s agenda includes presentations of over 190 research papers on topics such as Islamic resistance, counter-terrorism, and the ongoing Palestinian struggle. The event also coincides with the birth anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Sadiq (PBUH), adding further significance to the gathering.
As the conference continues, Muslim scholars from across the world reaffirm the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming the challenges facing the Muslim community, with Palestine at the forefront of their discussions.