Shia and Sunni are not two rival movements, but two complementary capacities in Islamic civilization

Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayyaz (may Allah have mercy on him), one of the prominent authorities of the Najaf Seminary, with his scientific and practical life, has set a successful example of a nation-centered approach, religious dialogue, and mutual respect among Islamic sects, both in word and in practice. In the thoughts and beliefs of this late authority, Shia and Sunni are not two rival movements, but two complementary capacities in Islamic civilization, and the intellectual and practical legacy of that wise scholar is considered an effective model for strengthening religious and ethnic coexistence in Islamic societies.

 

Separating scientific differences from social hostility; a strategic necessity

Religious differences in the history of Islam are an undeniable reality; but what has always been emphasized by great Islamic scholars is the separation between scientific differences and social hostility. Many crises in the Islamic world arise not from differences in jurisprudence and theology, but from turning these differences into tools for political and social conflict. The Holy Quran calls on Muslims to cling to the firm rope of God and avoid division: “And hold fast to the rope of Allah all together and be not divided.” From this perspective, Islamic unity does not mean the elimination of differences, but rather the wise management of differences within the framework of mutual respect and common interests of the Islamic Ummah. A difference that can lead to the depth and dynamism of religious thought instead of division.

Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq Fayyad (may Allah have mercy on him) was one of the prominent figures who, in the field of thought and practice, emphasized the necessity of Muslim convergence and avoiding sectarian tensions, and his brotherly character attracted the attention of many institutions and figures in the Islamic world. That great man understood well that division is an old wound on the body of the Ummah and its cure is not to deny religious diversity, but to recognize it in a fraternal atmosphere.

 

Extensive commonalities; an asset for solidarity

Shiites and Sunnis have extensive commonalities in the basic principles of Islam; Including faith and belief in monotheism and monotheism, belief in the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the Seal of the Prophets, belief in the Holy Quran and belief in the Resurrection, and performing the main Islamic obligations such as prayer, fasting, Hajj and Zakat. These commonalities are far broader than jurisprudential and historical differences and provide a huge capacity to create solidarity among Muslims. What makes this capital ineffective is not the depth of the differences, but ignorance of the extent of commonalities and giving space to extremist voices. Another important point is the multiplicity of religions in the history of Islam, which has led to the formation of a great scientific, jurisprudential and theological heritage. Just as the diversity of perspectives in the humanities and natural sciences leads to the advancement of knowledge, the diversity of jurisprudential ijtihads can also help enrich Islamic thought. Therefore, religious differences are not necessarily a threat; rather, if managed correctly, they will be an opportunity for the development of religious knowledge and the flourishing of civilization. The diversity of religions should be seen as branches of a strong tree, each of which, while taking different paths, draws strength from a single root.

 

Ayatollah Fayyaz; A symbol of Islamic unity and convergence

Ayatollah Fayyaz was, in the truest sense of the word, a symbol of Islamic unity and convergence. This prominent jurist was considered one of the distinguished students of Ayatollah Khoei (may Allah have mercy on him), and his scientific works, continuous teaching, and high scientific status led him to be widely respected throughout the Islamic world.

He always emphasized several principles:

First. The primacy of Islamic identity over ethnic and sectarian differences: In Ayatollah Fayyaz's view, Muslims are members of a single Islamic nation before any other title. This view caused the major issues of the Islamic world to be prioritized over religious differences and religious solidarity to become a solid barrier against imposed divisions.

Second. Scientific dialogue instead of religious hostility: The scientific tradition of the Najaf seminary, of which Ayatollah Fayyaz was a prominent figure, is based on the logic of dialogue, reasoning, and respect for different points of view. This approach paves the way for reducing sectarian tensions and strengthening the culture of tolerance, and blocks the way for extremism.

Third. Emphasis on cooperation between the scientific centers of the Islamic world: Ayatollah Fayyaz emphasized cooperation between the seminaries and scientific centers of the Islamic world, especially interaction between the seminaries of Najaf and Qom, and considered this cooperation essential for preserving Islamic identity.

Fourth. Avoiding insults and spreading hatred: Real and practical unity is achieved when followers of different religions avoid insults, excommunication, and spreading hatred. Respect for the sacred and respected figures of others is the first step on the path to peaceful coexistence.

 

A personality beyond ethnic and national boundaries

The personality of Ayatollah Fayyaz, who originally came from Afghanistan and became a marja in Iraq, was an example beyond ethnic and national boundaries. The scientific life of this pious scholar showed that knowledge, piety, and service to society can be the link connecting different nations and ethnicities. Today, major challenges such as poverty, scientific backwardness, Islamophobia, and extremism affect all Muslims, and confronting these problems requires cooperation beyond religious boundaries.

 

Challenges facing Islamic unity and the way out

The chronic pains of Muslims today can be summarized in the following axes: the spread of extremist and takfiri movements, political abuses of religious differences, the weakness of teaching the culture of dialogue, the spread of hatred in the media and cyberspace, and the exploitation of the powers of the Bridging religious and ethnic divides. Confronting these challenges requires the role of religious elites, academics, the media, and cultural institutions, and in the meantime, rereading the life of unificationist scholars such as Ayatollah Fayyaz can provide a clear roadmap.

Jurisprudential and theological differences are natural; but turning them into social and political hostility will cause irreparable damage to the Islamic community. The scholarly legacy of the Najaf seminary, especially the life of Ayatollah Fayyaz, shows that it is possible to have relationships based on respect and cooperation while preserving religious beliefs.