Unity & Proximity Based on Imamate Doctrine

Proximity and unification of Islamic sects have been a recurring theme in the Islamic ideology from time immemorial undergoing various stages in its development, succeeding in some respects and failing at others. Seemingly, a fundamental cause of failure was the lack of a common religious doctrine. A religious doctrine firmly rooted in Islamic thought. One that utilizes historical experiences and identifies areas for potential proximity and unification, while enjoying the support of Islamic scholars and think-tanks.

Without an iota of doubt, a due regard to prophet’s Hadiths and biography will provide us with a clear guideline to bring about proximity and unification among Islamic sects, since, the Prophet (PBUH) was personally aware of attempts that sought to sow the seeds of sedition, was better able to cure the underlying causes and had sympathy towards the Muslim Umma far beyond others. A thorough look at the deeds of prophet (PBUH) reveals that prophet himself had issued multiple warnings concerning the issue of successor and Imamate, a rift that turned into a chasm. He called the attention of Islamic Umma to the issue of rightful successor and Imam, asserting that unless Muslims settle their disagreements in this critically important area, they can’t enjoy the fruits of unity among the Islamic Umma. The current study presents a theory of proximity based on a Imamate-based doctrine. It seeks assistance from the deeds of prophet as recorded in his biography.

 In so doing, it emphasizes the need for proximity and unification according to the role model provided by Imams as rightful successors of the prophet (PBUH).

According to this doctrine two aims are sought, first establishment of Islamic unity by agreeing on the rightful Imam after the prophet (PBUH), then proximity through the creation of an Imamate-based discourse. A discourse that eliminates the misunderstandings and unveils Islamic mysteries and facts. Surely, the application of such a doctrine requires some strategies and tactics, the most important of which are uprooting division, exposing religious facts and historical events to the public eye and establishing a border between unity and proximity by unification and coexistence.