Islamic countries call for unity among Muslims

Doha, Jan 20: Islamic countries today called for unity among the Muslims while stating that racist, sectarian and doctrinal conflict among them ''may give rise to extremism and cause unrest in Muslim nations''.

The call follows concerns over the rise of sectarian violence in the Islamic world after the controversial execution of deposed Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein.

''There is no justification for sectarian fanaticism. Political interests and objectives are used by self-proclaimed leaders to achieve their goals'' prominent Islamic scholars, religious leaders and intellectuals said at the opening session of the International Conference for "Dialogue of Islamic Schools of Thoughts".

The Conference was organised by the Qatar government in collaboration with the Jamia Al-Azhar University of Egypt and Qatar University. It was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar Abdullah Bin Hamad Al- Attiyah.

Dr Akmeleddin Ihsanoghlu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Dr Mahmood H Zagougi, Egyptian Endowment Minister and top Shia leader of Iran Ayatollah Sheikh Mohammed Ali Taskhiri, including scholars from over 25 countries are participating in the three-day conference. It will recommend suggestions for bringing about complete unity among the Muslims.

India is being represented by Maulana Khalid Saif Rehmani, General Secretary of the Islamic Fiqh Academy and Mufti Zahid Ali Khan of the Aligarh Muslim University.

The observers noted that the Muslim world is sitting on top a volcano with enemies of Islam trying their best to divide Muslims on sectarian and other basis. The sectarian violence in Iraq has already intensified and it may spill over to other parts of the Arab world .

In his inaugural address, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiya said there is an urgent need to help Muslims overcome social, educational and political backwardess to find them a respectable place in the world. ''This could be achieved only by unity and not by fighting against each other'', he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the most prominent chacteristic of the Islamic Sharia has been ''forgiveness and freedom' of innovation(Ijtihad) and thought''. But when diversity breedsseperation, then it is condemned and rejected in Islam, he said.

OIC Secretary General Dr Ihsanoghlu noted polarisation and tensions among members of various schools of thought. ''If the situation in Iraq is not controlled, sectarian violence may engulf Lebanon and Palestine. It is imperative for all of us to work together to bridge the Gulf and work for the prosperity of the Muslims'', he said.

Ayatollah Al Taskhiri blamed the US for dividing the people of Islam. ''The west does not want to lose its hegemony in the Arab world. The United States wants to control oil and other natural resources of the Muslims. To achieve this objective, an attempt is being made to turn Iran into an enemy of the Sunnis. Every effort should be made to thwart such attempts of the West, he said.

UNI