By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Iranian diplomat Dr Karim Najafi vehemently denied any Shia-Sunni acrimony in Iran. Najafi even challenged anyone to visit Iran for knowing the reality.
Counsellor, Iranian Cultural House, Dr Kareem Najafi during his visit to Lucknow on Saturday denied Shia-Sunni conflict in his country. “Both the communities live in peace. After the revolution when Shah dynasty was overthrown there has been no acrimony between two communities,” said Dr Najafi. When quizzed, Najafi even challeged that anyone can visit Iran at his expense to see the reality.
Citing examples of harmony in his country, Dr Najafi stated that after the revolution Sunnis have freedom to practice their faith. “They have their own mosques, madarsas and practice their faith freely,” he said.
Najafi also stated that one week celebration is observed in Iran from 12 Rabiul Awwal to 17 Rabiul Awwal so that both Shias and Sunnis can celebrate Prophet’s birthday as per their beliefs.
Najafi also praised Nawal Kishore Printing Press of Lucknow stating that it has done yeomen service for strengthening Indo-Iranian relations. The press by printing thousands of books has made the friendship bond between two countries stronger. “There are more than 3000 books printed at the same press in urdu, Arabic and Persian. The books have gone a long way in nurturing the relations between two countries,” said Dr Najafi.
He also stated that Indo-Iranian relations were present before the advent of Islam. “The two countries had relations more than 5000 years ago. With the advent of Islam the bond became stronger,” he said. Dr Najafi also cited that famous saints of India as Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Syed Ali Hamdani of Kashmir and even Nawabs of Awadh had Iranian linkage in their pedigree.
Dr Najafi also praised Mahatma Gandhi stating that Gandhi and Khamenei in Iran ousted the oppressed regime in their countries and established democracy and peace.