Imam Reza Shrine plays pivotal role in Islamic unity: Bahraini scholar

In an interview on the sidelines of the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference, Sheikh Abdullah Ahmed al-Daqqaq, a prominent religious scholar from Bahrain, highlighted the central role of Imam Reza Shrine in promoting unity across the Muslim world.
Recalling a personal encounter with the Martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Sheikh al-Daqqaq shared a poignant memory of the Leader’s humility and connection with the Ummah. "I remember waiting at a door to enter the main hall when the Martyred Leader exited his residence. He greeted everyone with immense sincerity and humility," he stated. 
He noted that the Martyred Leader would converse with guests in their own languages, including Arabic, Persian, English, and Turkish. "I expressed my devotion in Arabic and requested his prayers for the people of Bahrain during their hardships. I told him that the Shia of Bahrain have no refuge but him. He responded by praying for God to grant relief to the Bahraini people three times. My group and I wept deeply at his prayers," the Sheikh added.
Shifting the focus to the current gathering, Sheikh al-Daqqaq emphasized that Imam Reza Shrine serves as a universal symbol of mercy and blessing, and transcending sectarian boundaries. He noted that many Sufi orders also regard the Imam as a source of spiritual inspiration.
"The traditions and teachings attributed to Imam Reza are inherently inclusive and ethical, placing them at the intersection of both Shia and Sunni scholarship," he explained. 
He concluded by affirming that the Imam Reza Shrine is not merely a religious site but a key institution in promoting understanding and cohesion among Muslims of all orientations globally.