A Joint Appeal to Sunnis and Shias
S. Muhammad Khatami President of the Islamic Republic Of Iran (1997-2005)
Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad Prime Minister of Malaysia (1998-2003)
▻http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/A-Joint-Appeal-to-Sunnis-and-Shias.htm
We, the undersigned, are greatly saddened by the violence and bloodshed which have characterised Sunni-Shia relations over time. Thousands have been killed in feuds between the two, mostly in certain Muslim countries. It is tragic that many innocent women and children have been among the victims.
Sunni-Shia animosity and antagonism have clearly weakened the Muslim ummah. It has made us more vulnerable to the manipulations and machinations of outside elements determined to subvert the unity and integrity of the ummah. It has allowed those who seek to establish their hegemonic power over us to succeed in their objectives.
It is indisputable that Sunni-Shia antagonism and conflicts which have resulted in massacres have tarnished the image and dignity of the ummah in the eyes of the world. Few other occurences in recent times have had such a negative impact.
We appeal to all Sunnis and Shias, bound as we are by the same faith in Allah, guided by the same Noble Quran, honouring the same last Messenger of Allah, and facing the same Kiblah, to desist from massacring and the killing one another immediately.