By Maulana Hussein Mapata
Based on Imam Khameini’s conviction of the necessity of establishing practical mechanisms to embody and implement the call for unity, we observe that the Imam adopted numerous mechanisms across various arenas. First: In the Constitution of the Islamic Republic: Returning to the Constitution, we note the dedication of an entire article to the unity of the nation and the solidarity of its peoples and the Islamic Republic’s commitment to striving for unity in all spheres
within the Islamic world.
Article Eleven of the Constitution states: “By virtue of the noble verse, ‘Indeed, this, your nation, is one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship Me’ (Al-Anbiya 92), Muslims
are considered one nation, and the Islamic government of Iran must base all its general policies on the solidarity and unity of the Islamic peoples, and continue its efforts to
achieve political, economic, and cultural unity in the Islamic world.” Article Twelve explicitly and clearly preserves and respects all Islamic schools of thought, granting regions where one school holds a majority the right to implement local laws within the jurisdiction of the local consultative councils of that region,
according to that school.
All of this underscores that mechanisms for unity were incorporated into the Iranian Constitution from the very beginning of the Islamic Republic’s establishment, under the direct guidance and care of Imam Khomeini (may God have mercy on him).Secondly, the Islamic Unity Week, observed between the 12th and 17th of Rabi’ alAwwal, commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), is dedicated to this cause. This annual event, with its profound meanings and connection to the herald of Islam, brings together leading thinkers, scholars, writers, poets, and researchers in conferences to develop plans, programs, proposals, and research that contribute to strengthening and promoting unity globally.
Thirdly, the Imam’s special attention to the Hajj season is noteworthy, as he considers it a practical manifestation of Islamic unity. He actively contributes to highlighting the
political and social dimensions alongside the devotional and spiritual aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage. The Imam stated that “there are numerous political factors behind holding meetings and assemblies, especially the valuable Hajj gathering, including identifying the fundamental problems and political issues facing Islam and Muslims. This can only be achieved through the gathering of committed religious scholars and thinkers visiting the Sacred House of God, where they present and exchange views to find solutions. Upon returning to their countries, they then present these solutions in public forums and strive to address and resolve their problems.”
The gathering of Muslims from all over the world to perform the Hajj pilgrimage constitutes an important occasion for calling for unity and working to establish it as a
reality among Muslims, especially as they perform a duty that inherently embodies unity and strength for Muslims. The Imam says: “Know, O Muslims, that this great gathering, which takes place every year by the command of God Almighty, obligates you, as a nation of believers with firm faith, to exert your efforts for the advancement, solidarity, and comprehensive unity of Muslims.”
The Imam considers Hajj an occasion for spiritual mobilization and the renewal of the spirit of revival among Muslims, saying: “O pilgrims to the House of God, unite in your divine sentiments and feelings, and ask God Almighty for the victory of Islam, the Muslims, and the oppressed of the world.” The Imam continues, “Unite and turn to God Almighty, seek refuge in Islam, and rise up against the arrogant oppressors and those who violate the rights of nations. Rise from your places, take up the Quran in your hands, and submit to the command of God Almighty so that you may restore the glory and greatness of Islam. Come and listen to one admonition from God when He says: ‘Say, “I only advise you of one thing: that you stand up for God, in pairs and individually.”’ (Surah Saba, 46).
Fourth: The Imam’s stance and practical efforts, even before the victory of the revolution, in supporting mujaheden movements against Israel and colonialism in general, regardless of the sectarian affiliation of the leaders of these movements, are well-known. He issued numerous fatwas permitting the allocation of religious dues (khums and zakat) to these movements in Palestine, Lebanon, and other countries confronting the Zionists. This was also in 1963 or 1964 CE, approximately fifteen years before the victory of the revolution. The Imam then proceeds…” This approach stems from a firm conviction that one of the most important mechanisms for consolidating and strengthening unity within the Muslim community is the convergence of its people in jihad against the enemies of the nation, particularly the Zionist occupiers of Palestine and Jerusalem. There is perhaps a successful practical example of this in Lebanon and Palestine, witnessed by our
contemporary generation.
He says in this regard: “All Muslim governments and peoples know the nature of the disease, and they know that foreign hands sow discord among them. They see the
weakness and collapse that befalls them as a result of this division, and they see that the hollow state of Israel stands in opposition to the Muslims, who, if they were united and each one of them threw a bucket of water at Israel, would be swept away by the floods. ” So why don’t these people knowing all this resort to the decisive remedy of
unity and agreement?
Fifth and finally, there is a wide range of mechanisms that the Imam established, or supported and helped sustain and ensure their effectiveness. some of these: Establishing the Assembly for Rapprochement between Islamic Schools of Thought as a scholarly institution to study points of jurisprudential and doctrinal convergence among the various Islamic schools of thought, to produce research and studies, and to Hold conferences where scholars from different Islamic schools of thought meet. Allocating numerous print media outlets, such as the Tawhid magazine and the Islamic Unity magazine, which devote most of their research and publications to Islamic unity. Embracing and supporting the establishment of Islamic scholarly gatherings that work to promote and advocate for unity, as in the Muslim Scholars Association in Lebanon. Dedicating numerous television programs to Islamic unity and advocating for it. He honored the day of qud’s the day Muslims entirely show solidarity with the people of Palestine and the oppressed. May God have mercy on every servant, who restores the religion to its glory and honor in these centuries, sow the seeds of awareness of the importance of unity among Muslims, rejected division and fanaticism among them, and established practical mechanisms for its consolidation and embodiment of this unity. May God make us among those who follow in his footsteps in practically embodying the unity and glory to Islam and the nation of Zimbabwe. Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds and May He send blessings to His messenger Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
