The late founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution is perceived to be a pioneer of Muslim unity in the contemporary history. But what did he exactly mean by Muslim unity?

Some scholars believe Imam Khomeini revived Islam and the revolution triggered a new wave of Islamic awakening thought the Muslim world.

But what was Imam Khomeini’s definition of Muslim unity?

The late founder of the Islamic Republic believed Islam caters to all needs of human life. The Imam thought that the dynamism of Islam transcends national, political and geographical boundaries.

The late Iranian leader believed that Muslims share many historical, cultural, political and religious commonalities.

Imam Khomeini viewed Sunnis and Shias as brothers and hence, equals and all of them enjoy Islamic privileges and rights.

He always emphasized that current differences among Islamic sects are of religious nature and Muslims ought not to allow politics to create real divisions inside the Ummah.

Imam Khomeini believed any ethnic and religious discord that overshadows the solidarity of Muslims is improper.

Khomeini believed Muslims can create a united front against their adversaries and address the plight of the oppressed.

Maybe that’s why Khomeini considered foreign elements as the main instigators of discord in the Islamic world.

Adversaries seek to fan the flames of sectarian conflict between the Shia and Sunnis and the gullible among the Muslims easily fall prey to it, he said.

In Khomeini’s view, Muslims should be alert to avoid tensions and know that internal conflicts would harm the Ummah.

He offered practical strategies for achieving unity among Muslims.

Imam Khomeini believed that bridging the centuries-old gaps among Muslims is impossible without intellectual efforts.

Among measures proposed by Imam Khomeini to strengthen bonds of friendship among Muslims was the Islamic Unity Week.

The Imam also stressed the need for using opportunity raised during the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the Friday and daily congregational prayers.

Imam Khomeini prioritized economic cooperation as a method to achieve unity among Muslims.

He believed that if the Islamic governments close ranks, they will become truly independent and won’t need to rely on the exploitative powers.

Iran’s impeccable support for Palestine following the revolution testifies to the seriousness of Imam Khomeini in pursuing Islamic unity.

Let’s hope that Muslims would eventually join hands to put an end to the current chaotic situation and to free the Muslim countries from the clutches of the colonial powers.