Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi in his meeting with Sheikhul Islam Pashazadeh the prominent Azeri scholar, referring to the fact that Iran and Azerbaijan are neighbors remarked: there has been a great deal of emphasis in Islam on the concept of neighborhood so much so that Imam Ali (as) says that the holy prophet would encourage us towards neighbors as if there exists kinship among neighbors.
He emphasized on the fact that the neighboring countries must be vigilant towards enemies’ plots and stated: We should not allow them to disunite us nor should we let them spread suspicion and misunderstanding amongst us.
His eminence stated that all Muslim no matter where they reside, are brothers as stipulated in the Quran; the glorious Quran reads as follows “انما المؤمنون اخوة” (Hujurat: 10) All Muslims are brothers and if there happens dispute amongst them it should be immediately resolved.
The enemies of Islam using various plots aim at making hostility within Muslims and turning them against one another. For the time being, several Islamic countries are having discord and obviously only enemies will benefit f r o m this situation.
His eminence addressing the sheikh remarked: According to what I have heard you are an influential scholar in the region of Kavkaz and Azerbaijan you may use this opportunity in order to neutralize those vicious plots and try to resolve the ongoing problems in the region. This trip will definitely deepen the ties between us and the Caucasus region.
His eminence emphasized: your highness according to the status you enjoy, may find a way so that Muslims have more freedom in performing Islamic rituals; for, the more people have freedom in their ritual affairs the stranger will be the ties between them and the government.
Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi elsewhere in his speech stated: I recommended to the president of Azerbaijan to take it easier on people and to set free some prominent figures; this will have its good impact on Azeris as well as their neighbors.
His eminence added: since far-off days we have been having good relation with the Azeris. We regard them as to be courageous, brave and loving. I hope that soon Allah (swt) grants me the Towfiq to accept your invitation and be with you.
His eminence urged on more future relations between scholars of the two countries and called for further scientific and cultural cooperation. “The more we try to decrease concerns in between and strengthen mutual ties, the more it will benefit Islam and Muslims. I hope that such relationships increase” he added.
It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of this meeting Sheikhul Islam Pashazadeh passed on warm regards of the people of Kavkaz and Azerbaijan to the Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi and invited him to his country.
Whatsoever disunity especially amongst neighboring countries, is considered as helping the enemy.
The enemies of Islam using various plots aim at making hostility within Muslims and turning them against one another. Only the enemies will benefit f r o m this situation.
