Representative of grand Ayatollah Sistani in Iraq visited Anglican Church in France stressing the religious leader’s support for the Christian community.
Hujjat-ul-Islam Seyyed Javad Shahrestani, representative of grand Ayatollah Sistani, top Iraqi Shia jurisprudent in Iran, met with Christian leaders in French Anglican Church stressing dialogue as the best way to know others, maintain global moderation and also avoiding extremism.
Iranian cleric in this meeting stressed that Shia Muslims follow the lifestyle of Ahlul Bayt (AS), household of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as an example for whole humanity saying,” Based on our beliefs we maintain special respect for followers of monotheist religions and extremism has no stance in Shia Islam.”
Hujjat-ul-Islam Shahrestani warned that ISIL and their fellow terrorist groups have nothing to do with humanity and have no position in our holy religion noting,” Same way that we do not blame Christianity for extremist measures by some Christians, holy religion of Islam should not be blamed for the crimes committed by Daesh who calls itself as Muslims because in fact they are not Muslim. “
Iranian cleric quoted Imam Ali (AS), first Shia Imam saying,” People are in two groups; either your religious brother or similar to you in creation” and added,” Shia Islam has taught us to set humanity as the main principle for interaction with others and respect all people.”
Hujjat-ul-Islam Shahrestani also stressed,” Ayatollah Shahrestani is the main defender for followers of other religions in Iraq including Christians who have found Shia jurisprudent as a safe haven.”
