The Leader of the Islamic Revolution met today with the heads of the three government branches, the head of the Expediency Council, government officials, participants of the 22nd International Conference on Islamic Unity, ambassadors of Muslim countries, and people from various social backgrounds. Speaking at the meeting, which was held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and Imam Sadiq (a.s.), the Leader described the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) as the decisive event for humanity. "The most important duty of the followers of the Prophet (s.w.a.), especially Muslim politicians, scholars, intellectuals, and influential individuals, is to make serious efforts in order to create Islamic unity and prevent discord," he said.
His Eminence referred to the decisive role of the Holy Prophet's (s.w.a.) birth in determining the path of humanity and the occurrence of significant events at the time of his birth and reiterated: "Some of the events that took place at the time Prophet Mohammad (s.w.a.) was born were symbolic signs pointing towards the reality that his birth was the beginning of the end of polytheism, atheism, materialism, and oppression in the world."
He also added: "Although the Holy Prophet's (s.w.a.) guidance has not yet affected the entire humanity, this beacon of guidance will gradually lead mankind to the ultimate source of light. The Prophet's (s.w.a.) message will eventually spread throughout the world."
Ayatollah Khamenei touched upon the present situation of Muslims and Muslim countries in the world as well as the evil intentions of the superpowers to humiliate the Muslim Ummah and added: "The only way to deal with these obvious evil intentions is to create unity."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to ideological bias as one of the causes of discord among Muslims and added: "Having faith in one's principles is laudable, but this faith must not cross the line between logical reasoning and aggressive rejection."
His Eminence stressed the need for mutual respect on the part of Shia and Sunni Muslims for one another's beliefs and added: "Scholarly debates about these beliefs are permissible, but these debates must not turn into an exchange of insults in public opinion."
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the enemies' efforts to create discord as the external source of discord among Muslims, further adding: "To prevent falling prey to the enemies' machinations and plots, Muslims must be totally vigilant against the enemies' plots to foment discord. Unfortunately, sometimes some Muslims or Muslim countries serve as a tool in the hands of the enemies, helping them to realize their intentions and to create discord."
Ayatollah Khamenei touched upon the victories gained in the 33-day war in Lebanon and the 22-day war on Gaza and added: "These two events taught us many lessons because after the impressive victory of the Palestinian and Lebanese youth over the Zionist army and the creation of unity among Muslims, the enemies resorted to the issue of Shia and Sunni in Lebanon and the issue of ethnicity in Palestine in order to destroy the sweet taste of the resultant unity."
His Eminence also said that the Palestinian issue is not an Arab issue. "The Palestinian issue is an issue for the entire Muslim world. If ethnicity is brought up in the world of Islam as an issue, it will create the greatest source of discord. In the current situation, Muslim politicians and heads of Muslim countries have the most important role to play in foiling the plots of the enemies."
At the end of this meeting, a number of the participants of the 22nd International Conference on Islamic Unity held private talks with the Leader.