President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani on Thursday made a strong pitch for Shia-Sunni unity and said Islam rejects extremism. He described India a ‘living museum’ of faiths co-existing.
Dr. Rouhani was addressing a gathering of Shia and Sunni scholars and leaders. He was accompanied by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
“My message from the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and as President to all the people of India is that of brotherhood, fraternity and friendship. We are seeking more cordial and closer relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest,” he said. Iran and India, Dr. Rouhani said, have established historic and cultural links beyond political and economic relations.
Dr. Rouhani said Islam has noble goals which transcend differences of schools of thought and described it a religion of mercy and not that of terrorism.
He said Shias, Sunnis, Christians and Kurds lived together in Syria and Iraq. “Why go that far? In Hindustan, which is a living museum of religions and schools of thought, I see temples and places of worship living in peace. Shias, Sunnis, Sufi mystics, Hindus, Sikhs and the non-Sikhs, all live in peace,” he said.
The Iranian President said forces were trying to divide people and inciting hatred within the Muslims community. “We call them takfiri ,” he said, even as he pointed out that Muslims should stand united under the declaration of faith and the Quran.
Dr. Rouhani accused the West of bringing divisions in the East. He said the West had pillaged the resource-rich East by means of imperialism and oppression.
He also said that in the past, the East had shared knowledge with the West, but the latter has not reciprocated the gesture. He said that Iran does not want differences with other countries and believes is dialogue.
