PRESS RELEASE

Sunni and Shi’a Clerics Meet in Iran To Join Hands Against ISIS

Nov. 24, 2014 (EIRNS)—In a rare show of solidarity against the Sunni-dominated ISIS, Sunni and Shi’a clerics assembled in Qom, Iran, with the plan to develop a strategy to defeat the ISIS terrorists, who were identified by the gathered clerics from 80 countries as "Takfiris." "Takfiri" is an Arabic word for Islamic extremist, according to the Associated Press coverage.

The chief organizer of the conference was the Iranian Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi. According to media reports, Ayatollah Shirazi pointed out that while military attacks against the ISIS are important, but they are not enough. "The roots of their violent ideology must be dried up. This is the job of Muslim scholars, to preach the true, moderate face of Islam and expose the ugly face of ISIS ideology," he added.

Among the top Shi’a clerics present on the occasion was Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Al-Jaafari, identifying the group as the greatest threat to Islam, said: "They were created to undermine Islam and destroy Muslim societies. ISIS kills both Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims."

Another Sunni cleric, Abdolrahman Sarbazi, who is from southeastern Iran that is home to many Sunnis, said: "Sunni Muslims also condemn the violent practices of takfiris, who are a threat to humanity."