Representative of Alsistani: Differences are motive for dialogue, & love of power leads to conflicts

The representative of the Shia Muslim Supreme Religious Authority, sheikh Abdul-Mehdi Elkerbela’ey, delivered a speech at the inauguration of Tarateel Sejjadeya's 5th International Festival—held by the Imam Hussain Shrine—in which he said, “The differences and contrasts between beliefs, ideologies, traditions, and opinions are of divine norms that are inseparable from human beings; they are a motive for cooperation, dialogue, and integrity among humanity—a vehicle to fulfill the reason behind God’s creation.”

He added that the rule of authority, self-love, and vanity are what utilize these differences and contrasts dangerously, and that leads to conflicts and disputes.

Elkerbela’ey also said, “Islam has set a complete constitution to deal with various nations and tongues to reach the result God wants us to.”

He noted that the conflicts Muslim communities have now are due to being away from the principles of co-existence that Islam has set.

“What we mean by peaceful co-existence is social and cultural co-existence, and peacefully presenting ideas, away from violence, and respecting others’ opinions,” added further Elkerbela’ey.

He shed light on the method that the Shia Muslim Supreme Religious Authority adopts, which is reasoning with others and presenting ideas and opinions with evidence and proof to obtain truth peacefully and intellectually.

Elkerbela’ey concluded, saying, “The enemies’ plans lie in two directions: Causing violence, conflicts, rancor, and disputes between communities, and within every community; even within the same family and tribe,” emphasizing that it is necessary to explain what peaceful co-existence is to communities, and it is crucial that community leaders are concerned with this matter.

 

Edited by: Seddeaq Ebbood

Photography: Khudhaier Fdhaleh

Translation: Mohammed Alobaidi

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