Hawzah News Agency- The event brought together prominent religious, political, cultural, and academic figures from both Shia and Sunni communities, aimed at honoring the Prophet's birth, strengthening Muslim unity and solidarity, and introducing the capacities and objectives of the university.
Among the distinguished attendees were Hojatoleslam Mahdavipour, Representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in Africa; Iran's Ambassador to Tanzania; officials from Iran's Cultural Consulate; the head of the Khoja Shia community; Sheikh Dr. Al-Hadi Musa Salem, head of Tanzania's Peace and Reconciliation Community and a prominent Sunni scholar; the Archbishop of Tanzania; the representative of the Grand Mufti for women's affairs; as well as Shia and Sunni scholars, academics, students of Al-Mustafa International University, and representatives of various faiths — a vivid display of Tanzania's capacity for interfaith dialogue, coexistence, and religious unity.
Groundbreaking for Phase Two of Hekmat University
The ceremony opened with the groundbreaking for phase two of East Africa Hekmat University, a major scientific and educational project of Al-Mustafa International University in the region.
The project aims to develop higher education, train skilled and committed human resources, expand scientific activities, and create new educational capacities in East Africa.
The selection of the Prophet's birth anniversary for the project's launch carries symbolic significance, as the university seeks to serve not only as an academic institution but also as a platform for promoting Islamic knowledge, interfaith and inter-sectarian dialogue, and social cohesion across the region.
Al-Mustafa Representative Highlights University's Mission
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the celebration of the Prophet's (PBUH) birth and Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq's (AS) birth anniversary was held at Al-Mustafa's assembly hall.
Hojatoleslam Ali Taghavi, representative of Al-Mustafa International University in Tanzania, welcomed the guests and congratulated them on the auspicious occasion.
He outlined the objectives behind establishing East Africa Hekmat University, emphasizing the need to develop higher education in the region and train local human resources.
"Alongside academic education, Hekmat University can play a role in developing Islamic sciences, training professors and researchers, strengthening interfaith and inter-sectarian dialogue, and responding to the scientific and cultural needs of the region," Taghavi stated.
He described the Prophet's birth anniversary as an opportunity to revisit the messages of ethics, mercy, brotherhood, and unity, urging Muslims to utilize this capacity to strengthen Shia-Sunni relations.
Tanzanian Sunni Scholar Stresses Muslim Unity
Sheikh Dr. Al-Hadi Musa Salem, a prominent Tanzanian Sunni scholar, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the imperative of Muslim unity.
"Shia and Sunni must always stand together and remain united, for the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) is the axis of unity for the Islamic Ummah, and all Muslims constitute a single nation," he said.
The Sunni scholar added: "Muslims, despite their differences in denomination, ethnicity, language, and even skin color, are members of one body. They must rely on their common religious and moral foundations and pursue the path of unity and solidarity."
Citing the renowned Arab poet Ahmed Shawqi, he noted that Muslims are one Ummah, and that faith, ethics, and belonging to the Islamic community can bring them together.
"The presence of Shia and Sunni scholars and other religious figures at this ceremony is a valuable example of Islamic unity and coexistence," Sheikh Salem stated.
"The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) belongs to all Muslims, and love and adherence to his path can serve as the connecting point and axis of unity for all Muslims worldwide," he concluded.
Supreme Leader's Representative in Africa Addresses Gathering
Hojatoleslam Mahdavipour, Representative of the Supreme Leader in Africa, also addressed the ceremony, congratulating attendees on the birth anniversaries.
He spoke on the character and legacy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the status of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (AS), while stressing the importance of religious and academic institutions in promoting Islamic knowledge, nurturing the younger generation, strengthening Muslim unity, and serving African societies.
Mahdavipour described the development of scientific and educational centers as an essential need of the Islamic community, calling for the utilization of universities, seminaries, and religious institutions to train capable and influential human resources.
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