It is Time for Muslims to Unite in Facing the Iran-Israel War and Avoid Sectarian Sentiments.

By Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., MM.(*)

The attitude of Muslims in facing the current Iran-Israel war should be based on the principles of justice, humanity, and Islamic brotherhood—not by fanaticism of sects or sectarian sentiments that cause conflict between groups and divisions among Muslims simply because of differences in understanding, sects, and beliefs that one’s own group is superior and more correct than other groups.

Here are some important points that can be used as a basis:
The majority of scholars, from Ibn Taymiyyah to Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi, emphasize that in conflict, Muslims are obliged to side with the oppressed party, even though they have different sects. Iran, although Shia, clearly defends Palestine and opposes Israeli occupation. This is not a matter of agreeing with all of their beliefs, but a matter of defending the oppressed.

The Sunni-Shia narrative is often used by external forces to divide Muslims. Differences in sects have been used as a tool of asymmetric warfare by global hegemonic forces. In fact, in Islamic history, Sunnis and Shias once lived side by side and learned from each other, as exemplified by old figures such as the story of the relationship between Zaid bin Ali (a Zaidiyah Shia figure), Abu Hanifah (a Sunni figure) and Imam Ja’far ash-Shadiq (a Shia figure) where the three respected each other and complemented each other in several disciplines.

Buya Yahya reminded that this is not the time to debate beliefs, but rather the time to unite against colonialism and injustice. Even Saudi clerics such as Sheikh Assim al-Hakeem stated that in conditions like this, Muslims must side with fellow Muslims who are oppressed, even though they have different views.

Many international and regional media are exaggerating Sunni-Shia tensions for geopolitical interests. Muslims need to be smart in sorting information and not get caught up in divisive narratives.

Muslims should be fair, wise, and brave in placing truth above fanaticism.

Support for Palestine and rejection of Israeli aggression must go beyond sectarianism. This is the time to unite to build inclusive Islamic solidarity based on conscience, the presence of the Iranian movement against the Zionist Israel is a courageous step that must be supported by all Muslims in the world, because it must be recognized that Iran is the only Islamic country that dares to fight against the hegemony of Israel and America.[]

*Author,
Chairman of the Advisory Board of DPP ASWIN (Association of International Journalists).