Hawzah News Agency- Simultaneously with the beginning of Rabi ul-Awal Month which marks the auspicious birth anniversary of holy prophet of Islam (a.s), an international conference named ‘Unity around prophet Muhammad and Ahlulbayt’ is due to be held in the African country of Guinea Conakry in which numerous Sunni scholars along with the officials and parliament members of Guinea will take part. The conference began its course by announcing the statement of Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani, an Iranian Shia Marja, in Guinea’s parliament building on Thursday, December 1.

The statement is as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Allah almighty says in the holy Quran: “And hold fast to the Bond of Allah, together, and do not scatter,” (Surah 3, verse 103)

May Allah’s blessings and mercy be upon you

It brings joy and happiness to all true followers of prophets to see this magnificent gathering of religious scholars and intellectuals of Islam as well as other divine religions in the country of Guinea Conakry during the month of Rabi al-Mouloud which marks the auspicious birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (a.s).

I, as a humble member of the last prophet’s Ummah, am honored to express my heartiest congratulations on organizing this sacred conference which is named after the Prophet Muhammad and his Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s) to strengthen the unity of Islamic community; I ask Allah almighty to bless you all.

As the participants of this conference already are already aware, the sacred religion of Islam wants peace, blessings and happiness for all humanity; it wishes a world free of violence, injustice, crimes and plunder. It’s mentioned in the holy Quran about the great Prophet of Islam, “We have not sent you (Prophet Muhammad) except as a mercy to all the worlds. (Surah 21, verse 107); in another verse Allah almighty says, “You have attained a high moral standard” ;( Surah 68, Verse 4); the prophet himself has also said, “بُعِثتُ لأتمّم مَکَارِمَ الأخلاقِ”; “Truly, I was appointed to teach you all the moral virtues,”

The main purpose of appointing prophets and revelation of holy books has been to educate mankind on the best moral virtues and to teach them the most valuable traits of humanity. The Islamic rulings which are according to the sound human nature are all here to guide mankind towards perfection and real growth which is the highest level of humanity and the highest peaks of spirituality and morality.

Sadly the present world is faced with evil thoughts, inhumane plots and animosities that all holy prophets, especially beloved prophet Muhammad (a.s) disliked. Violence carried out in the form of injustice and murder by a group which claims to believe in Islam, is absolutely contradictory with the teachings of genuine Islam. All those who follow the beloved Prophet of Islam are well aware that the inhumane atrocities of these ruthless criminals is a hundred percent against Islam, and the path of holy infallibles and Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s) is entirely separated from those criminals. If the world wants peace and security, there’s no other way for mankind but to follow the teachings of Muhammad, Prophet of mercy, and his Ahl ul-Bayt (a.s); Prophet Muhammad himself recommended people to follow their teachings.

I really hope organizing such conferences causes affection and friendship among scholars from different religions and provides a chance for them to exchange their valid thoughts and notions. I also hope that all the peace-loving people of the world who wish happiness for all mankind enjoy fruits of such events.

"It is Allah, Lord of the Universe, who deserves all praise." (Surah 10, Verse 10)

 Qom Seminary, Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani

Rabi al-Mouloud, 1438 Hijri