pp. 105–109 — News and Views: “The Caravan Moves On”
This is the title of an article appearing in this issue of Risālat al‑Islām. In it, the eminent scholar, His Eminence Shaykh Muḥammad al‑Taqī al‑Qummī—on the occasion of the opening of the magazine’s eighth year—discusses several aspects related to the project of taqrīb (rapprochement between Islamic schools of thought). He highlights the sincere and determined resolve that carries this idea forward—relying on God’s power and strength—toward its desired goal: uniting the hearts of Muslims, gathering them upon a common word in faith, knowledge, action, and sincere brotherhood in God, cooperating to exalt His word, so that Muslims may reclaim their rightful place at the forefront of the world, guiding humanity toward a life of security, peace, righteousness, and reform.
The “News and Views” section finds in this title—The Caravan Moves On—an accurate expression of the overarching meaning that unites the developments presented today, which indeed show that the caravan continues its course.
Between His Majesty King Saud and a Leading Figure of Taqrīb
We have learned that an important meeting took place between His Majesty King Saud ibn ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a major figure among the leaders of the taqrīb movement. This significant meeting occurred in Tehran, during His Majesty’s visit to Iran, where that prominent personality was also present.
There is no doubt that Muslims everywhere will be pleased to know that this private meeting constituted a successful step toward rapprochement. During it, the idea of taqrīb, its aims, and the foundations upon which Islamic brotherhood may be strengthened were explained—foundations that encourage every Muslim to respect the opinion of his fellow Muslim with fairness and magnanimity. At the time, His Majesty’s interest in the idea of taqrīb was widely reported in the press.
**King Saud and the Senior Shīʿī Scholar of Iran
A Gift from His Majesty and a Letter on the Matter of Ḥajj**
We have been informed that His Majesty King Saud sent an honorable gift to the esteemed scholar, the Grand ʿAllāmah al‑Ḥājj Āqā Ḥusayn Burūjirdī, the leading mujtahid of the Shīʿa. From a reliable source, we learned that His Eminence sent a letter to the Saudi ambassador in Tehran. We were able to obtain its text, and we record it here with great satisfaction for the spirit of brotherhood, dignity, and scholarly courtesy it contains.
His Eminence wrote:
**“In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
Peace and God’s mercy be upon you.
We received your letter delivered by Mr. Yūsuf Bū ʿAlī, along with a large case which you stated contained fifteen copies of the Noble Qur’an, pieces from the belt of the Kaʿba’s covering, and other items, and that His Majesty the King had ordered that they be sent to me.
I was perplexed, for my custom is not to accept gifts from kings or dignitaries. However, the inclusion of the Qur’an and pieces of the Kaʿba’s covering obliged me to accept them. I therefore took the Qur’ans and the pieces of the Kaʿba’s belt, and returned the case—with what remained in it—to you as a gift from me to your person, so that I may remember you in times of prayer and supplication.
Since the matter of Ḥajj in these years is under His Majesty’s authority, I have sent a lengthy ḥadīth describing the Ḥajj of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), narrated by Muslim in his Ṣaḥīḥ and by Abū Dāwūd in his Sunan. It contains most—if not all—of the rulings of Ḥajj. Please present it to His Majesty as a gift from me, and convey to him my greetings and salutations.
I ask God, exalted is He, to unite the hearts of Muslims, to make them a single hand against those who oppose them, and to guide them to act upon His words:
‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of God, and do not be divided.’
And to avoid discord, enmity, and the pursuit of desires that lead to division, and to adhere to His words:
‘O you who believe, when you go forth in the path of God, investigate, and do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” seeking the goods of worldly life.’
Peace and God’s mercy be upon you.”**
At the University of Montreal (Canada)
Dr. Muḥammad al‑Bahī—visiting professor from al‑Azhar at the University of Montreal, a scholar known for his intellectual openness and belief in taqrīb—sent a letter to the Dār al‑Taqrīb reporting in detail on the reception of the taqrīb movement within academic circles in Canada. He wrote that the idea had been incorporated into the curriculum of modern Islamic movements active in shaping contemporary Muslim communities. Researchers there also study earlier phases of taqrīb, particularly when Jamāl al‑Dīn al‑Afghānī promoted Muslim unity and criticized sectarian fanaticism.
Dr. al‑Bahī concluded:
**“The mission of the taqrīb movement today is clearer than ever, and its place is broader than before. The West wishes to learn much about it. The director of the Islamic Institute wrote to you some time ago—so I was informed—requesting the association’s publications and charter. A copy of the charter has been deposited in the library here, and I will work to provide researchers with what will broaden their understanding and define the idea of taqrīb comprehensively.
I will also clarify its practical possibilities and the sources upon which it relies in understanding the doctrines of the Imāmī and Zaydī Shīʿa, who constitute one of the two parties in taqrīb. This will correct the view held by some Islamic‑studies scholars here that taqrīb is theoretically possible but practically difficult.
All of this may be published in a book in English, God willing.”**
At the Institute of Islamic Studies
Graduate studies began more than two months ago at the newly established Institute of Islamic Studies, founded by the Islamic Studies Association. It admits graduates of both religious and secular universities who wish to deepen their knowledge of advanced Islamic scholarship and the conditions of Muslims across different lands and peoples. These studies are not restricted by school, sect, or nationality; they are open to all Muslims who hold a higher academic degree.
The spirit guiding this institute—its studies, relations, and scholarly and practical research—aligns with the aims and methods of taqrīb. It is characterized by impartiality, fairness, free inquiry, and a calm, patient, and balanced engagement with issues, seeking truth wherever it may appear.
Its faculty consists of distinguished scholars from various religious and academic fields, following a curriculum unique in its approach. Taqrīb welcomes, strengthens, and supports every noble effort that advances its lofty goals—goals that are, in essence, the goals of Islam for those who understand its message.
We salute this institute—its professors, students, and administrators—and ask God to grant them success.
At the “Circle of the Pure” (Nadwat al‑Aṣfiyāʾ)
This forum brings together an enlightened group of scholars and men of letters: eminent scholars, accomplished poets, distinguished writers, eloquent orators, experienced statesmen, and dedicated activists. They recognize no identity—despite their diverse origins—except the identity of Islam.
They chose as their secretary the renowned poet Muḥammad ʿAlī al‑Ḥūmātī. The first fruit of their work was a book titled al‑Aṣfiyāʾ, compiling all lectures and discussions held during the previous year. It contains impressive scholarly, legal, social, and literary studies, many of which concern taqrīb and support its aims. Risālat al‑Islām salutes this forum and its distinguished members, seeing in their noble conduct a cooperation that elevates the status of Islam and Muslims.
At the Graduates’ Conference
Among the resolutions issued by the “Graduates’ Conference” in its session held in Jerusalem last September was the approval of a recommendation by its cultural committee urging governments and peoples to calm sectarian disputes and limit the effects of sectarian fanaticism. This would enable Muslims across Arab—and Islamic—lands to stand united against colonialism and thwart its strategies, which rely heavily on sowing division and estrangement.
Conclusion
Thus, the echoes of taqrīb resonate across diverse circles, and its caravan continues to move forward under God’s care and guidance. Praise be to God, by whose grace righteous deeds are completed.