Islamic Fiqh Academy hits out at sectarianism

Riyadh: The International Islamic Fiqh Academy has warned against the dangers of "growing difference and sectarian strife" between the followers of some schools of thought, particularly between scholars of Sunni and Shia, the two main branches of Islam.

There have been hot exchanges of words between prominent figures representing Sunnis and Shiites following a controversial statement by prominent Sunni scholar Shaikh Yousuf Al Qaradhawi, in which he accused Shiites, especially Iranians, of spreading their ideologies in the Sunni world, especially in Egypt and Sudan.

The controversy also triggered a cyberwar between Sunni and Shiite hackers, causing much damage to several sites and inflicting serious damage to the ties between Sunnis and Shiites.

Danger to Ummah

In a press statement, Dr Abdul Salam Al Obadi, secretary general of the Fiqh Academy, an affiliate of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, which represents 57 Muslim countries, voiced deep concern over the controversy, saying that it would be helpful only to hamper the ongoing efforts to cement ties between the followers of various schools of thought and foster Islamic unity.

"It is high time for Muslims to denounce all sectarian partialities and stand united in safeguarding the common interest at a time when the Ummah is passing through difficult times," he said while cautioning that such practices and statements will inflict serious damage to the unity of Ummah and its capabilities in confronting its enemies.