There is no doubt that any subject if it happens to be...

There is no doubt that any subject if it happens to be useful or reasonable for an Ummah, co-ordination and co-operation becomes necessary for its achievement. On the contrary, any subject of no benefit – its availability is not only unnecessary but even harmful– Therefore elegance of the word ‘unity’ should not deceive us. As such, we must keep in view the aim prior to unity. Besides, Quran too approves unity if it be for truth and considers it harmful if it be in a wrong direction.

Furthermore, it recommends having unity if it be for God’s sake. But it prohibits unity for the sake of wrong and falsehood.” [2] “Consequently, according to reason and Quran every man is obliged to judge the matter first. If it is correct and right he may extend his hand of unity towards a group. If it is otherwise he must refrain from it. As such, unity is necessary and desirable. However the aim must become transparent ahead of unity. Truth will cast a shadow over unity.

Now to arrive at the truth, there is no way other than a debate or discussion which is not workable in a friendly atmosphere.” [3] If we desire that the difference that appeared among Muslims immediately after the Prophet’s passing away should disappear and vanish, we must search for a ground to pluck it from its root. “We ought to know the events as to what they were; or persons as to who they were? Either events or persons are causes of difference after the Prophet.

As a result, when we lay hands upon them we must draw a line [1] Ali Iraqchi Hamadani: Sad Dars az Bahas-e-Imamat (A Hundred Lessons on Imamate), Pgs. 9&12 [2] Ibid. Pgs. 12-13 [3] Ibid. Pg. 14 between them and Islam. In other words, we must separate them from Islam. The reality of Islam will be obtained. Then we must be united to preserve this reality. It goes without saying that the issue of Imamate and leadership became the cause of difference.

After the Prophet’s passing away, a group claimed this position and therefrom sprung the difference. So prior to unity, a debate is necessary into this subject in order to reach truth so that unity could be based on truth and reality. Otherwise such a unity would be useless and impossible.” [1] “Now this objection arises that: Whether it is good and sensible to be truthful about anything in any age or not?

Most probably it might be said that to maintain silence is dictated by reason when telling the truth and narrating facts brings unwanted consequences. Such undesired aftermath must be avoided.