‘Regional Unity Conferences’ model expanded to promote Islamic proximity
The Secretary General of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, has underscored the necessity of expanding scientific and religious cooperation among Muslim scholars to strengthen the model of a “Single Islamic Ummah.”
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During a meeting with a delegation of Pakistani scholars at the Research Institute for Proximity Studies, Hujjat al-Islam Dr. Hamid Shahriari, detailed the recent strategies and programs of the World Forum, highlighting efforts to decentralize the movement for unity.
Analyzing the intellectual shifts within the Muslim world, Dr. Shahriari noted that extremist movements had expanded over recent decades due to extensive financial backing in countries such as Pakistan. However, he argued that events such as the post-9/11 landscape, the Khashoggi case, and the subsequent shift in Saudi policy have created a new environment for the Islamic world.
Regarding Iran-Pakistan relations, the Secretary-General observed a significant improvement in engagement with Sunni scholars in Pakistan. He cited the support of prominent figures such as Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani for Iran during the “12-Day War” as a “rare and unprecedented event” among Deobandi-affiliated currents.
Dr. Shahriari introduced the “Single Islamic Ummah” theory as a primary intellectual project of the World Forum, designed to provide a roadmap for Shia-Sunni convergence against Takfiri (excommunication) currents.
“The project of proximity must be carried forward by the nations and scholars of Islamic countries themselves,” Dr. Shahriari emphasized. “Regarding Pakistan, we believe the core of this movement must be Pakistani scholars; the World Forum serves merely as a supporter and partner.”
Reflecting on the logistics of the annual International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, the Secretary-General explained that the Forum has introduced two new formats: domestic and international regional conferences. This expansion aims to facilitate the participation of a broader array of scholars and thinkers.
“The success of these regional meetings led us to implement the model abroad,” he explained. “In countries like Iraq, Malaysia, and Lebanon, the responsibility for inviting scholars was delegated to local religious institutions, with the World Forum acting only as a facilitator.”
Dr. Shahriari also noted that the Forum successfully transitioned to hybrid models following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which over 250 speakers participated in international webinars. This digital integration remains a vital component of the Forum’s contemporary outreach.
In closing, the Pakistani delegation commended Dr. Shahriari’s ongoing efforts in the field of Islamic proximity, stressing the vital importance of continued scientific and religious cooperation between Iranian and Pakistani scholars to foster unity across the Muslim world.
