WASHINGTON DC (July 14, 2023) – In a historic move towards religious unity and acceptance, Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, the esteemed Director-General of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, was invited to lead a blessing prayer at the Scottish coronation of King Charles. This marks the first time a non-Christian has been given this honour.
Sayed Razawi, a highly respected leader in the Shia community, known for his efforts towards interfaith dialogue and cooperation, was previously a part of an intimate audience with His Holiness Pope Francis in Vatican City. This meeting reaffirmed the virtues of listening, mutual cooperation, and soft speech in religious dialogues, a testament to Razawi's unyielding commitment to creating a society where different faiths coexist harmoniously.
The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, an organisation deeply rooted in Shia faith, serves the needs of the Scottish Shia Muslim community and the breadth of society in general. The society works tirelessly towards engaging with other communities and faiths to build a diverse and inclusive nation.
This monumental involvement of Sayed Razawi in the coronation aligns with the endeavours of the Ahlul Bayt Society, which also works in partnership with the Shia Muslim Foundation, a US-based non-profit. The Foundation champions the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims globally and is deeply involved in advocating on social and political issues that the Shia community faces.
Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, expressed his profound appreciation for this significant event. "Sayed Razawi's role in the coronation ceremony exemplifies our shared mission towards fostering peace, respect, and mutual understanding among different faiths," said Husain. "This unprecedented step taken by the United Kingdom, to include a Shia Muslim leader in a traditionally Christian ceremony, reflects the vital progress made in building an inclusive society."
Drawing from Sayed Razawi's words during his interaction with Pope Francis, he said, "There is a common humanity to all of us. Some seek to divide people, religions, east versus west, but there is no east or west; there is just our common humanity as we seek a peaceful future for all based on justice and compassion."
The inclusion of a Muslim figure in the coronation ceremony marks an auspicious new chapter in the history of Scotland, embodying the principle of unity in diversity. It reiterates the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society's and Shia Muslim Foundation's ongoing efforts towards promoting understanding and acceptance of the Shia faith in wider society.
As the SMF continues to engage in such important dialogues and advocacy work, the foundation invites public support to enhance its initiatives. Donations can be made here.
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About the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF)
Founded in 2020, the SMF is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its primary mission is to support the civic rights of American Shia Muslims and advocate for them on social and political issues. Through various initiatives and programs, the SMF addresses the unique challenges faced by the Shia Muslim community, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the Shia faith and its followers.
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