An Examination of Islamic Rapprochement and Unity-Building Strategies in the Intellectual System of Imam Khomeini and Imam Musa al-Sadr

Abstract

Islamic rapprochement among schools of thought, in its general sense, refers to the efforts of Muslim scholars to establish convergence among the followers of different Islamic denominations with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and strengthening religious brotherhood based on Islamic principles and commonalities. In a more specific sense, this concept is presented as an intellectual and practical movement by scholars of Islamic denominations who seek to reduce disagreements, neutralize tensions, and establish unity between Shiites and Sunnis. The realization of Islamic unity requires the establishment of strong foundations within political and social systems, both at national and transnational levels; without such foundations, achieving genuine convergence will not be possible. In this regard, intellectual and religious elites play a central role in guiding and advancing this process. The present study focuses on this issue and examines the key strategies of Islamic rapprochement and unity in the thought of two prominent Shiite thinkers, Imam Musa al-Sadr and Imam Khomeini. This examination is based on the assumption that weakness and fragmentation among Islamic countries have created grounds for interventions and exploitation by international powers and constitute one of the most significant consequences of the failure to achieve Islamic rapprochement and unity. Drawing upon the foundations of rapprochement-oriented jurisprudence, this study analyzes these challenges from the intellectual perspectives of Imam Khomeini and Imam Musa al-Sadr and explores their proposed solutions for confronting these crises and achieving Islamic solidarity. According to the perspectives of these two thinkers, rapprochement among Islamic denominations and Islamic cohesion not only contribute to the revival of the power and dignity of the Islamic Ummah but also prevent the weakening and collapse of Muslim societies.