The 29th International Islamic Unity Conference was opened in the Iranian capital Tehran with senior officials of Muslim countries and Shia and Sunni scholars in attendance. The Conference brought together prominent Islamic Scholars from Iran and across the World and the Conference aimed to discuss unity and solidarity and bring scholars together on different issues.
The Chair of IMPIC, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, was invited by the “World Forum for Proximity of Islamic School of Thoughts” and the Iranian Government to participate in the 29th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, Iran.
Shaykh Al-Qadri accepted the invitation by saying that he would travel anywhere to spread the Message of Peace & Unity and he was delighted to receive the invitation.
As a leading European Sunni Islamic Scholar, Shaykh Al-Qadri has participated in various International Conferences in the Middle East, but this was the first time the Shaykh visited Iran.
The Conference was opened by the President of Iran Hassan Rouhani on the first day Sunday 27th December 2015. Shaykh Al-Qadri delivered a talk entitled ” The Challenges of Western Muslims and the solution in light of the Seerah” during the Conference. Shaykh Al-Qadri also met with the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
The participants of the Conference discussed the threats posed to the Islamic World particularly the threat of the Takfiri movements and DAESH.
Shaykh Al-Qadri also met with different Sunni Muslim Clerics that had come from different parts of Iran to participate in the Conference.
During the visit to Tehran the Shaykh also visited the city Qum and met with one of the influential Ayatollah’s of Qum, Ayatollah As-Shareefi. Ayatollah As-Shareefi was highly impressed by the discussion with the Shaykh and granted Shaykh Al-Qadri with his authorization (Ijazah) of transmitting Islamic Knowledge. This was very unusual as Shaykh Al-Qadri is a Sunni Muslim Cleric.
Shaykh Al-Qadri also attended the concluding session of the 1st International Islamic Music Festival entitled “Prophet Muhammad, Prophet of Kindness” in which artists from more than 20 countries sang different praise songs used their traditional music.
Shaykh Al-Qadri upon his return to Ireland was invited by the AhlulBait Islamic Centre and shared his experience with the audience (Please see Video Below)
Iranian Press Links :
Islamic Republic News Agency Article on the Shaykh
http://www.mehrnews.com/news/3018224/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTn4rUAC4I
