Tunisian scholar: Islamic unity possible through adherence to basic values, religious and moral injunctions

“Islamic unity is possible through adherence to basic values and the religious and moral injunctions. Mutual respect of followers of Islamic schools of thought, especially Ulima, is very important. During their talks, Ulima should respect each other. The way an Alim behaves and talks with others is noticed to be as a model. There is another example: Mutual respect of distinguished personalities of Islamic schools of though is different.”
As he said, among other main values, through which Islamic unity and brotherhood are possible, are peaceful co-existence and cooperation of children of various Islamic schools of thought. Such peaceful cooperation and co-existence of followers of Islamic schools of thought should be within framework of public interests of Ummah.
He noted, “Another point, which is important, is admitting diversity and difference in various Islamic schools of thought. As children of Islamic Ummah and as a human we should admit diversity of behaviors and ideology of various schools of thought. The reason for the diversity is certain differences of opinion and Ijtihads. We should include the differences and Ijtihads within general framework of Islam, especially regarding the fact that the differences are caused by inferential understanding of Ulima. Based on what was said, diversity in Islamic schools of thought is natural and they should be treated with generosity.”
The thinker concluded, “Prejudice in tendencies of a school of thought or a special person will lead to discord. Religious, ideological and intellectual tendencies of us should not stem from prejudice due to kindness and loyalty. The last but the most important principles for Islamic Unity of children of Ummah is monitoring our behaviors. Any member of Islamic Ummah and any of the followers of Islamic schools of thought should monitor the self and be careful of his/her behaviors.