Muslims divided over political rows not religious differences
Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles says nothing divides people on the topic of worshiping God though there are mainly political inspirations behind oppression or discrimination against a certain group.
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Professor Amir Hussein, scholar in Islamic studies, stressed that the disagreement which disperses Muslims has political origins rather than religious disagreements, reported Taqrib News Agency.
Congratulating the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting the 35th International Islamic Unity Conference he called the annual convention as a valuable move to promote Islamic unity and highlighted necessity of solidarity among Muslims.
In an interview with Iran’s Qur’an News Agency (IQNA), professor Hussein related on the origins of divisive moves between Shia and Sunni Muslims in the Islamic countries saying,” I believe that the dispersion of Muslims is originated from political ambitions rather than religious differences.”
He added,” Nothing should divide the people in worshipping the one Almighty God though there are always political reasons for oppression or discrimination against a certain group.
Professor Hussein referred to obedience of Almighty God, loyalty for Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and also respect for the household of the prophet of Islam as commonality among all Muslims.
When asked if the dispute between Shia and Sunni Muslims have been used to promote political ambitions, he confirmed and warned of intensification of the political rows between the Islamic denominations at present.
Professor of Islamic studies referred to the friendly relations between the Shia and Sunni Muslims in the United States and said part of the fraternity is due to being a religious minority.
He added,” A part of that is because we have already found that violence in other countries has proved the division as a wrong choice.”
“Shia and Sunni leaders in the United States have had close cooperation among them; therefore, the first key lies in mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among Muslims” he said and added,” We should all bow in front of the Almighty God and not any political ideology.”
Dr. Amir Hussain is Associate Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he teaches courses on world religions. His own particular specialty is the study of Islam, focusing on contemporary Muslim societies in North America. In 2008, Amir was chosen by vote of LMU students as the Professor of the Year. Amir’s new book is an introduction to Islam for North Americans entitled Oil and Water: Two Faiths, One God.
