Talk about half a loaf! In this commentary for Asharq Alawsat, Dr. Aaidh al-Qarni, a popular Saudi preacher, calls for the end of conflict between Sunnis and Shi’as. That’s great! But he gives as his principle reason why this is good the ‘reason’ that by doing so it would help confront ‘World Zionism’! Perhaps after he settles the conflict between Shi’a and Sunni, he can start doing his homework on Zionism…

A Word to the Wise in the Islamic Community
Dr. Aaidh al-Qarni

Since we have not been able to resolve the centuries-old dispute between the Sunnis and the Shias, we have to admit that the dispute exists and that it is our duty not to transform it into a bloody conflict.

The Community of Islam has suffered enough wounds, painful divisions, and calamities. World Zionism is lying in wait for us and scheming to uproot us. What is the use of resurrecting insults, vituperation, defamation, and instigation? What is the use of arousing animosities and highlighting the faults and defects of the two sects? What is hoped to be achieved from shedding the blood or a Sunni or a Shia? Both the Sunni and Shiite sects believe that their sect is the correct one and that the other is false.

One cannot change the convictions of people even if they are invalid. We the Sunnis believe that our path is the correct one. If the Shias believe that we have been remiss and have not done everything we should toward Ahl al-Bayt [The Prophet's Household] we proclaim strongly and frankly that we seek God’s protection from anyone that has belittled the stature of Ahl al-Baytor that has insulted them. At the same time, we ask the Shias to stop belittling, insulting, and finding fault with the Companions of the Prophet. The defense of Ahl al-Bayt and the prophet’s companions is the duty of every single male and female Muslim.
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