Sheikh Nimr blood can launch universal Shia Sunni discourse

Hujjat-ul-Islam Ahmad Moballeghi, dean of the University of Islamic Denominations, issued a message extending condolences over the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baghir al Nimr saying that the move will intensify the present Takfiri (excommunication) ambiance, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

He hailed the late Saudi scholar for leading an honorable life and said, ”Certainly his blood is capable of launching a universal discourse of justice among all Islamic denominations.”

The cleric noted,” Martyrdom of the senior Saudi Shia cleric happened amid a chaotic Takfiri ambiance; hence, the move is likely to be planned in line with intensification of the chaos.”

Hujjat-ul-Islam Moballeghi referred to a counter-Takfiri and anti-sectarian move launched parallel with Takfir movement and said,” Hopefully this expanding move against Takfir and sectarianism includes both Shia and Sunni communities.” adding,” Due to this growing movement, there are excuses for strengthening Takfiri moves and widening sectarian distances, though they have not had the least influence on worsening religious or tribal disagreements.”

Head of the Research Center of Iran’s Parliament hailed Sheikh Nimr as a proximity figure quoting the late cleric saying,” Any Shia or Sunni Muslim who oppresses his religious brother is not loved by God Almighty.” and stressed that the martyrdom of Saudi cleric can be the cradle and a means providing the grounds for Islamic unity around the axis of the discourse of justice.”

Iranian cleric highlighted necessity of vigilance among Muslims and said,” Following any incident in the world of Islam; we have to be in pursuit of boosting unity among all Muslims since it is to the benefit of all Muslims that we strengthen our power in confrontation with Takfiri groups.”

Sheikh Nimr, an outspoken critic, had been arrested in 2012 in the Qatif region of Saudi Arabia’s Shia-majority Eastern Province, which was the scene of peaceful anti-regime demonstrations at the time.

On Saturday, the Saudi Interior Ministry announced that Sheikh Nimr had been put to death along with 46 others convicted of being involved in “terrorism.”

Execution of the Shia cleric has drawn condemnation from governments and human rights groups all across the world.