Scholars Advocate for Islamic Unity Inspired by Prophetic Teachings

At the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference taking place in Tehran, influential Muslim leaders have highlighted the timeless message of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing principles of justice, brotherhood, and resilience. This gathering serves as a vital forum for discussing the restoration of dignity within the Islamic Ummah and combating divisions that threaten its unity.

Islamic scholars have called for a renewed sense of togetherness among Muslim nations, citing the teachings of the Prophet as essential in navigating contemporary crises. Here are some key points from the conference:

• Unity Against Adversity: Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, underscored the significance of the Axis of Resistance in the quest to liberate occupied Palestine. He described this alliance as a fundamental element of regional solidarity and Islamic unity.
• Confronting Extremism: Qassem called for Islamic nations to unite against takfiri movements, which he views as detrimental to the cohesion and spiritual integrity of the Ummah.
• Role of Dialogue: He praised the Tehran-based World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought for its efforts in promoting dialogue and cooperation among various Islamic traditions.
• Shared Struggles: “The practical unity of Muslims on the battlefield against the Zionist regime has become unmistakably clear,” Qassem stated, emphasizing that the outcomes in Lebanon and Palestine are a collective concern for the entire Islamic Ummah.
• Strength in Unity: Despite recognizing the material and political power of adversaries, Qassem asserted that the Islamic Ummah’s strength lies in its righteousness, faith, and unity. He stated, “Our enemies may appear powerful, but our spiritual and moral foundation makes us stronger.”

Qassem also criticized various forms of oppression, including economic sanctions and territorial occupation, arguing that these tactics aim to weaken Muslim societies. He encouraged steadfast unity and adherence to Islamic principles as a means of resistance.

The conference continues to provide a platform for scholars and leaders from across the Muslim world, focusing on the advancement of Islamic solidarity and addressing the challenges faced by the Ummah.

Turkish academic Professor Betül Sayyöz emphasized the Prophet’s pivotal role in transforming a fragmented pre-Islamic society into a unified community based on faith and mutual respect. She warned, “Without unity, economic power cannot be achieved—and without economic power, political dignity remains out of reach.”

Similarly, Bosnian scholar Mustafa Tsiritesh described the Prophet’s birth as the inception of a unified Islamic identity. He commended both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought for their contributions to fostering intellectual and spiritual dialogue. “Commemorating the Prophet’s birth is not just historical—it’s a revival of a living mission,” he stated, urging a return to the Qur’an and Sunnah as the foundation for a collective civilizational initiative.

Bahraini scholar Sheikh Abdullah Daqaq highlighted the Prophet’s role as a divine mercy for all humanity. He cautioned against the inclination to attribute success solely to personal effort, asserting that true deliverance lies in righteous action and spiritual alignment. “God introduced the Prophet as a mercy to the worlds,” he reminded the attendees.

Lebanese cleric Sheikh Ghazi Hanineh voiced concern for the situation in Gaza, expressing confidence in the resilience of its people and calling for unwavering support from Arab and Islamic nations. He characterized recent resistance efforts as precursors to a larger struggle for Palestinian liberation, praising the support from the Resistance Axis in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran.

Sheikh Hassan Baghdadi from Hezbollah’s Central Council stressed the urgent need for unity in the face of global exploitation. He condemned sectarianism and the practice of declaring fellow Muslims as infidels, urging solidarity across sects. Drawing on the Prophet’s legacy and figures such as Imam Musa Sadr and Ayatollah Khamenei, he called for a unified Islamic Ummah grounded in shared faith and piety.

Afghan scholar Maulavi Abdulraouf Tawana criticized the passive stance of many Islamic nations regarding the suffering in Gaza and beyond. He urged Muslims to support the oppressed and engage with the Axis of Resistance to confront imperialist aggression and reclaim dignity.

Syrian researcher Mahmoud Al-Muwaldi concluded with a stark warning about external forces attempting to sow division within Muslim societies. He emphasized the Prophet’s teachings on equality and spiritual brotherhood as remedies against tribalism and ideological manipulation. “Despite the suffering and injustice we witness, our obligation remains clear: to resist wisely and stand together,” he asserted.

This conference serves not only as a call for unity but also as a reminder of the spiritual and ethical foundations that have historically defined the Islamic world. The collective voices of scholars, clerics, and attendees resonated with a shared conviction: the Islamic Ummah must rise above sectarian divides, resist external manipulation, and reclaim its spiritual and moral compass.

The enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, as highlighted throughout the conference, presents more than just historical reflection; it offers a living framework for justice, solidarity, and resilience. From Gaza to Beirut, the challenges facing Muslim societies are immense. Yet, the solutions lie in collective action, ethical leadership, and unwavering faith.

In an era characterized by fragmentation and geopolitical turbulence, this conference stands as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for renewal. Whether through intellectual discourse, grassroots mobilization, or principled resistance, the path forward demands courage and unity. As scholars return to their communities, the responsibility shifts to the broader Ummah to embody these principles and strive for a future marked by dignity, peace, and shared purpose.

The 39th Islamic Unity Conference, themed ‘1500th Birth Anniversary of Prophet of Mercy and Islamic Ummah,’ is being held in Tehran from September 8-10, 2025, bringing together influential figures dedicated to the cause of Islamic solidarity.