Points of Consideration

Two interconnected phenomena are currently exacerbating sectarian problems in the Muslim world. First, since the advent of the nation-states formed during the colonial period, Muslim scholars have been cut off from one another unlike ever before. Advances made in travel have been undermined by borders, visas, passports and other modern constraints that are themselves often subject to greater political rivalries. When was the last time scholars from the Arabian Peninsula spent considerable time in Qum or scholars from Qum in Cairo? The second problem is that so many Muslim scholars are so closely tied to corrupt or repressive regimes that we have lost faith in the rare attempts made to bridge the divide. For example, a conference was held last year in Mecca, where Sunni and Shi'a scholars signed declarations refuting sectarianism in Iraq; the participants there, however, were seen largely as compromised voices that either by choice or compulsion sought to condemn the resistance.

In order for us to begin a process of reconciliation we must seek it in the sphere of the political, as this is the point of tension, but it seems only non-aligned Muslim scholars can bring about sincere and objective discussion in this regard. We have to return to the fundamental question-who should lead a Muslim society? Raising this question provokes two reactions. First, it reminds Muslims of their right to define their political reality. Secondly, it tells current leaders that they are failing in this regard. Many may be apprehensive about such a discussion considering that this point is already determined in Shi'a belief. But is it? According to most Shi'a the last Imam is in occultation and thus the floor is open for temporal leadership. Ayatollah Khomeini's solution in Iran of the "Rule of the Jurist" is only one solution that Shi'a often debate. With this opening in mind, Sunnis and Shi'a have a great opportunity to find a common solution; this moment should not be squandered by our fear to raise the question.

LAITH SAUD is a college lecturer in the social sciences and a member of the People's Struggle Movement —  an organization politcally opposed to the occupation of Iraq