A collaborative delegation of Shia and Sunni Islamic scholars of the Islamic Republic of Iran met at a grand conference called Bridging the Gap at Institute of Hotel Management here in Srinagar.
The conference was organized by Ehsaas International and was attended by leading Shia-Sunni intellectuals of Kashmir valley.
With the theme and slogan, “Bridging the Gap”, the conference was aimed at inculcating the idea of being together with similarities and differences and highlight the culture of brotherhood and fraternity.
Well known Sunni scholar of Islamic Republic of Iran Sheikh Ramin Gourchaei was the guest of honour during the conference.
“I found the people of Kashmir able of being united, faithful and more Islamic. Unity is a not a difficult thing here. It is a heavenly gift from almighty Allah. And I saw the people of Kashmir enjoying this gift. The fruits of unity are visible in Iran. That’s only unity and religious harmony that made Iran strong and we all must accomplish it. Enemies are not scared of any weapon. They are technically more powerful than us but what scares them is unity at first,” Sheikh Ramin said.
It’s pertinent to mention here that the Kashmir valley witnessed the visit of Sunni Iranian scholars for the very first time. The first visit of the Sunni scholars have deepened and strengthened the roots of unity in the valley.
An Iranian Shia scholar Sheikh Mehdi Misaydi an Iranian Shia said that “Muslims must be with the vision of unity in humanity.
“But unfortunately we are unable to be united among ourselves. What to speak of intrareligious unity? People believe if we get united with one another we have to surrender our basic beliefs and fundamentals. But it’s all reverse. Unity is not to surrender or shun our basics but living with them accompanying other sects as well,” he said.
The conference culminated with the analytical debate and discussion between Kashmiri scholars and intellectuals and Iranian Sunni and Shia scholars on hindrances in the way of Unity facing Muslim Ummah.
The delegation visited many places in the valley and addressed the people collectively as Shias and Sunnis. The delegation insisted on inculcating the spirit of unity and brotherhood in people.
The delegation pledged to leave no stone unturned in seeding and harvesting the fruits of unity. The delegation further desired to continue the process of inviting and offering the collective delegations of Shias and Sunnis from Iran.