An English-language paper on Saturday underscored that unity among Muslims is the key to stablity.
‘Iran Daily’ was elaborating on the celebration of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Muslim world which has come at a time when it is dire need of unity and proximity of Islamic school of thoughts more than in any era to facilitate the fight against extremism and Takfiri groups.
Islamic states should seriously pursue the idea of Muslim unity because the flames of extremism have already engulfed Iraq, Syria, Libya and Pakistan with the apprehension that they may spill over to other countries. Takfiri terrorists should be confronted as they pose a grave threat to Muslim interests by creating instability and insecurity, added the paper in its Opinion column.
Muslim counties, given their historical, geographical, political and economic situations have their own particular interest which sometimes run counter to each other and create crises. But, no doubt, national interests should not be prioritized over the interests of the whole Muslim world and should not prevent Islamic unity.
Why are certain Islamic countries prepared to act in line with the interests of a regime that has occupied Muslim territories and launched ethnic cleansing but refrain from approaching Islamic states while they use oil and terrorism to attack their regional rivals? questioned the paper
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other cultural bodies were established with the aim of promoting unity among Muslim sects and bringing Islamic countries closer but it seems the efforts to consolidate the Muslim front have not been so fruitful since a number of Muslim countries are grappling with serious problems. This is a warning to the leaders of Islamic countries. They should review their policies if they are determined to fight extremism and put an end to the killing of Muslims in the region.
Certain ultra-regional countries are spearheading Islamophobia in the world and some Islamic countries are helping them with their policies and acts. Now that extremist and terrorists groups such as the ISIL, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, etc. have marred the image of Islam through their brutalities and barbarism, it is upon Muslim scholars, leaders, politicians and civil activists to find and raise awareness about such divisive measures, relay the message of unity without prejudice and political games, and clarify misunderstandings.
Muslims should know that regional rivalries should not fuel hostility in the Islamic world and unity is the key to peace and stability in the Middle East, underscored the paper in conclusion.