Cleric: The peace of Imam Hasan (AS) is a model for the rapprochement of denominations

The days of mourning for the heartbreaking passing of the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad al-Mustafa (PBUH), and the unjust martyrdom of two radiant stars of the heaven of Wilayah and Imamate, Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS) and Imam Reza (AS), are a valuable opportunity to revisit the practical conduct of these divine role models on the path of unity and solidarity of the Islamic Ummah. A Prophet who, with his great character, turned hearts into harmony, and with his emphasis on "faith-based brotherhood," shattered tribal and racial boundaries. After him, the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), each in their own way, were lamps of guidance, peace, and tolerance – from the wise peace of Imam Hasan (AS), which honored the blood of Muslims, to the scholarly and evidence-based debates of Imam Reza (AS), which serve as a model for respectful dialogue among followers of denominations. Taghrib News Agency (TNA), in this interview with Mamosta Raouf Sa'idiyan, Deputy of Education and Training of the Bait al-Muqaddas Corps of Kurdistan, explores these precious teachings for realizing Islamic unity in the present era. The full text of this interview follows:

TNA: On the anniversary of the passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), what is his most important ethical teaching for the unity of Islamic society, and how can it be realized among Muslims today?

Mamosta Raouf Sa'idiyan: The most important ethical teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) was "faith-based brotherhood" and the precedence of ethics over conflict. By emphasizing mercy, tolerance, justice, and mutual respect, he transformed a diverse society into a united Ummah. Today, realizing this teaching means refraining from takfir, reducing hate speech, strengthening dialogue, and preferring the shared interests of the Ummah over minor differences. If Muslims today return to this fundamental principle, many of the crises of the Islamic world will be eradicated.

TNA: What common aspects in the personality of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS) can serve as a bridge for unity between Shia and Sunni brothers?

Mamosta Raouf Sa'idiyan: Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS) is a personality in whom knowledge, forbearance, dignity, and consideration for the Ummah's interests are beautifully combined. Both Sunnis and Shiites recognize him as the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), a model of forgiveness, and the embodiment of forbearance and magnanimity. The most important unity-building capacity in his conduct is the preference for the Ummah's peace over conflict, and the transformation of moral restraint into a political and religious strategy. When both schools of thought praise Imam Hasan (AS) with these qualities, this commonality can be a starting point for empathy and the removal of historical grievances.

TNA: What lessons can be drawn from the ethical conduct and method of debate of Imam Reza (AS) for strengthening Islamic unity and inter-religious dialogue today?

Mamosta Raouf Sa'idiyan: Imam Reza (AS) is a symbol of rationality, respectful dialogue, and evidence-based debate. In his conduct, intellectual differences are not accompanied by belittling the other side, but proceed with evidence, courtesy, active listening, and rational persuasion. For today, the most important lesson is that Islamic unity is strengthened through scientific dialogue, mutual respect, and acceptance of diversity within the Ummah, not through polemics and emotionalism. Also, the presence of the holy shrine of Lady Hajar Khatun (SA) in Sanandaj, the sister of Imam Reza (AS), shows the deep connection of Kurdistan with the household of infallibility and purity, and this itself is a valuable reason for bringing hearts closer together.

TNA: How can the historic peace of Imam Hasan (AS) serve as a model for the rapprochement of Islamic denominations and the prevention of division in the Islamic world?

Mamosta Raouf Sa'idiyan: The peace of Imam Hasan (AS) was not a passive decision or born of weakness, but a wise act to preserve the higher interests of the Islamic Ummah and prevent internal bloodshed. By preferring the unity of the Muslim community over achieving political power, he showed that in times of crisis, the public interest, the preservation of Muslim lives, and the prevention of social collapse take precedence over power struggles. Today, this model can also serve as a basis for the rapprochement of denominations, meaning that ideological and historical differences should not turn into social enmity and political violence, and should be managed through tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect, and the precedence of the shared interests of the Islamic Ummah. If Shia and Sunni scholars learn from this conduct, the enemies will never be able to create division among us.