Islamic Unity Conference to convene in Tehran with participation of global scholars
The secretary general of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought says the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference will be held with the participation of 80 prominent scholars, 210 guests, and 2,800 activists from across the Muslim world.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hamid Shahriari said the annual conference, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Unity Week, will take place from September 8 to 10 in Tehran under the theme of “The Prophet of Mercy and the Islamic Ummah.”
He said the event will be attended both in person and virtually by scholars and intellectuals from various countries.
Shahriari highlighted the recent appointment of a Sunni deputy in the forum as a practical step toward enhancing Shia-Sunni unity.
He said that promoting unity among Islamic sects has become a diplomatic necessity, aligned with the strategic vision of Iran’s leadership.
The secretary general outlined three dimensions of unity, including domestic, regional, and international, saying domestic unity in Iran has served as a model for the Muslim world, citing examples such as the broad solidarity displayed during the 12-day Israeli war against the country.
Shahriari noted that thousands of statements and Friday sermons by Sunni clerics after the war reflected a shared commitment to unity, with a collection of those sermons soon to be published.
He also dismissed claims of division, saying rare incidents are often exaggerated by hostile media to undermine solidarity among Muslims.
