Iranian cleric pleads for interfaith solidarity

A senior Shia Muslim cleric said last week that religious conflicts arise out of selfishness, but selfless love for God leads to unity, writes Susan Gately.

Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali, an Iranian professor who trains Shia clerics in Qum, Iran, was speaking to an interfaith Focolare gathering in Liverpool. Focolare is an international, Gospel-based movement that aims to promote a united world.

Dr Shomali told the gathering that when religion is cited as a cause of conflict, the problem is that some people have a “possessive love for God” rooted in “ignorance or ego”. They want a “monopoly” on God, and want Him to justify their selfish work.

However, he said, “when we go towards God, we are able to love everyone, wish good to everyone”. The address was met with a standing ovation.

The Iranian professor has been involved in Catholic-Shia dialogue for 15 years. In an interview after the address, he said the way to combat radicalisation was to help young Muslims “understand that they shouldn’t trust people just because they quote the Qur’an or Hadith or speak Arabic or speak about our common interests”.

He also pointed out that Islamic State is a Sunni organisation killing Shia Muslims.