Tehran: The secretary general of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought announced that the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference will take place in Tehran. This gathering will feature the participation of 80 prominent scholars, 210 guests, and 2,800 activists from various parts of the Muslim world.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Hamid Shahriari, speaking at a press conference, revealed that the annual conference will coincide with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Unity Week. Scheduled for September 8 to 10, the event will be themed ‘The Prophet of Mercy and the Islamic Ummah,’ and will accommodate both in-person and virtual attendance from scholars and intellectuals globally.

Shahriari emphasized the recent appointment of a Sunni deputy in the forum, marking a practical step toward enhancing Shia-Sunni unity. He underscored the importance of promoting unity among Islamic sects as a diplomatic necessity, in alignment with the strategic vision of Iran’s leadership.

The secretary general described three dimensions of unity: domestic, regional, and international. He highlighted that domestic unity in Iran serves as a model for the Muslim world, referencing the broad solidarity displayed during the 12-day Israeli war against the country. Shahriari also mentioned that thousands of statements and Friday sermons by Sunni clerics after the war showcased a shared commitment to unity, with plans to publish a collection of these sermons.

Furthermore, Shahriari dismissed claims of division among Muslims, stating that rare incidents are often exaggerated by hostile media to undermine solidarity within the Islamic community.