Sheikh Hamed Jalala, the Grand Sheikh of Tanzanian Shia Community (TIC), in his sermon at Friday prayers this week, stated that these days coincide with the demise anniversary of the Late Imam Khomeini (RA), and pointed out the following verse from the Holy Quran:
«إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُکُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّکُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ.» (سوره انبیاء، آیه 92)
“Indeed, this is your nation, one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship me.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 92)
The Grand Sheikh of the Shia community of Tanzania further noted,” Today we see clearly that there is no Arafa that is exclusive to the Shiites, just as there is no Arafa that is exclusive to the Sunnis, but we see that all Muslims of the world have gathered on the Day of Arafa and perform this ritual together, which clearly shows that all Muslims are obliged to unite.”
He stated,” the Late Imam Khomeini (RA), did not fight for Shiism alone throughout his life, but this great and unique leader, who is worthy of imitation, always tried to fight for Islam and show the Muslim community that they are all one.”
Sheikh Hamed Jalala concluded by adding,” The collective actions of Muslims in the Arafa Desert show that the ideal of Muslims – namely unity- is possible, and of course, what remains is only the will of Muslims themselves to implement it.”
