Pakistan’s top religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani has issued a powerful call for solidarity across the Muslim world, urging the Ummah to transcend sectarian divisions in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Addressing a large gathering recently, the respected scholar warned that current regional conflicts are frequently misrepresented as sectarian struggles between Sunnis and Shias. According to Usmani, such narratives deliberately obscure the deeper geopolitical realities driving these confrontations.

"Division Weakens the Ummah"

Mufti Usmani emphasized that external powers consistently attempt to exploit religious differences within the Muslim world as a means of weakening the Ummah from within. He argued that hostility toward certain Muslim nations is not primarily rooted in their sectarian identity, but rather in their strategic importance and influence in the region.

“The issue is not whether a nation is Sunni or Shia,” Usmani explained. “What matters to outside powers is its role and influence within the Islamic world. When Muslims begin to see each other as enemies, they unknowingly serve the agenda of those who wish to divide them.”

His remarks come at a critical juncture, as heightened tensions across the Middle East see political rivalries and military confrontations intensify.

A Call for Sunni–Shia Solidarity

The prominent jurist stressed that the current moment demands wisdom and restraint from Muslims everywhere. Rather than engaging in theological disputes or sectarian polemics, he urged the Ummah to prioritize unity, cooperation, and mutual respect.

According to Usmani, the Muslim world’s greatest strength lies in its shared faith and collective identity.

“If Muslims remain united, no external force can dominate them,” he stated. “But if we allow internal disagreements to divide us, we will weaken ourselves and invite further interference.”

His call for solidarity reflects a broader concern among many scholars that sectarian narratives are increasingly being weaponized as tools in geopolitical competition.

Responsibility of Scholars and Leaders

Mufti Usmani also highlighted the crucial role of religious scholars and community leaders in shaping public discourse during times of crisis. He cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric and urged religious authorities to guide their communities toward reconciliation, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Observers note that the scholar’s message resonates widely across the Muslim world, where many fear that sectarian fault lines could be manipulated to deepen instability and prolong conflicts. Analysts suggest that respected voices like Usmani’s are vital in countering propaganda and reinforcing the concept of a unified Ummah that transcends political and doctrinal differences.

A Timely Reminder

In concluding his remarks, Mufti Taqi Usmani reminded Muslims that the Ummah’s strength has historically stemmed from its solidarity and collective purpose. He urged believers to focus on shared values, faith, and mutual respect rather than differences that could be exploited by outside forces.

His message, delivered at a time of growing regional uncertainty, serves as a powerful reminder that unity, wisdom, and strategic cooperation remain the most effective defenses against attempts to divide the Muslim world. (ILKHA)