World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought

The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought (WFPIST) is an international Islamic organization founded in October 1990 in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed at promoting rapprochement, mutual understanding, and cooperation among the diverse schools of Islamic thought. The forum convenes scholars, leaders, and thinkers from Sunni, Shiʿa, and other Islamic traditions to foster dialogue and ease sectarian tensions within the global Muslim community (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Established under the guidance of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, the forum serves as a venue for theological exchange, scholarly research, and cultural interaction. Its activities include international conferences, publications, and cooperative agreements with various Islamic academic institutions to advance the principle of Islamic unity and cooperation across doctrinal differences (Iran News Daily; Tasnim News Agency, 2019).

History

Establishment

The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought was established in October 1990 by order of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the purpose of promoting closer relations and understanding among the various Islamic schools of thought. Its founding marked a continuation of earlier efforts toward intra‑Islamic rapprochement that dated back to mid‑twentieth century initiatives to bring different madhhabs and sects into dialogue (Wikipedia, n.d.; Shia Studies World Assembly, n.d.).

Early ecumenical efforts included organizations like the 1948 Jamʿiyyat al‑Taqrib bayn al‑Madhahib al‑Islamiyya in Cairo, which sought to promote unity between Sunni and Shiʿa scholars; these historical precedents influenced the later formation of the World Forum (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Leadership and Structure

The forum's organizational structure includes a Supreme Council, a General Assembly, and a General Secretariat. Members of the Supreme Council, including religious scholars and thinkers, are selected for fixed terms and contribute to the forum’s strategic direction. The General Assembly comprises eminent figures from various Islamic countries and traditions who participate in biennial meetings (Wikipedia, n.d.).

The first president of the forum was Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al‑Hakim. Hojatoleslam Hamid Shahriari, an Iranian cleric appointed by the Supreme Leader, has served as the General Secretary, guiding the forum’s daily operations and outreach initiatives (Wikipedia, n.d.; Tasnim News Agency, 2019).

Objectives and Principles

The forum’s stated objectives emphasize the reconstruction, expansion, and defense of Islamic teachings, as well as fostering deeper understanding among Muslims across doctrinal lines. According to its statute, the forum aims to:

• Promote reconciliation and understanding between Muslims of different schools of thought.
• Encourage scholarly exchanges to address theological and jurisprudential issues.
• Inform Muslims of efforts by external forces to create divisions among Islamic sects.
• Strengthen and expand the practice of *ijtihad* (independent legal reasoning).
• Facilitate collaboration against ideological and cultural challenges faced by the Islamic world.
• Support educational initiatives that embody shared Islamic values (Wikipedia, n.d.; WFPIST Statute).

The forum formally recognizes a range of Islamic schools, including Sunni madhhabs (Hanafi, Shafiʿi, Maliki, Hanbali), Shiʿa traditions (Twelver and Zaidiyyah), and the Ibadi school, reflecting a broad inclusive approach. It works to encourage mutual respect among followers of these traditions (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Activities

International Islamic Unity Conference

One of the forum’s most prominent activities is the annual International Islamic Unity Conference, organized during Islamic Unity Week in Tehran. The conference gathers scholars, political leaders, and thinkers from countries around the world to discuss unity, address theological differences, and develop strategies for cooperation on issues affecting the Muslim ummah. Participation has included representatives from dozens of nations and multiple Islamic traditions (Wikipedia, n.d.; International Islamic Unity Conference, n.d.).

Reports indicate that conferences have addressed topics such as countering sectarian violence, promoting shared religious values, and responding to international challenges facing Muslim communities. These conferences often include addresses by religious and political figures and serve as a platform for public statements on solidarity and cooperation (Irish News; Mehr News Agency, 2015).

Publications and Research

The forum publishes books, journals, and research materials on Islamic thought and rapprochement. Key publications include:

• *Risalat al‑Taqrib* – a bi‑monthly journal in Arabic focusing on themes of proximity and unity.
• *Thought of Proximity* – a quarterly Persian publication.
• *Courier of Proximity* – a monthly newsletter covering forum activities.
• *Risalat al‑Islam* – a revived post‑Cairo magazine in collaboration with other Islamic institutions.
• Other works addressing critiques of anti‑unity perspectives (WFPIST Publications).

The forum’s research efforts aim to provide scholarly analyses of doctrinal issues and promote educational material that supports understanding across different Islamic legal and theological frameworks (WFPIST Publications Database).

Collaborative Agreements

The World Forum has engaged in cooperation with other Islamic institutions. For example, in October 2023 it signed a memorandum of cooperation with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to support joint efforts in spreading values of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence among jurists and scholars of different Islamic schools (International Islamic Fiqh Academy, 2023).

Reception and Impact

The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought is considered a key institution in contemporary efforts to promote Islamic unity and reduce sectarian tensions. Supporters highlight its role in providing a structured environment for scholarly engagement and public dialogue across doctrinal lines, contributing to cultural and intellectual exchanges among Muslim scholars and communities. The forum’s conferences and publications are cited for fostering cooperation on shared Islamic priorities (Wikipedia, n.d.; Iraqi News, 2025).

Academic observers note that the forum’s work reflects broader 20th‑century movements for intra‑Islamic dialogue and unity, even as political and theological debates continue to shape perceptions of its activities. Its efforts are often situated in discussions about how Muslim societies can address internal diversity while resisting external pressures and fostering a sense of shared identity.

Criticism and Debate

Some commentators have raised questions about the practical impact of the forum’s initiatives, noting that political structures and regional rivalries can limit the extent to which scholarly dialogue translates into broader societal change. Others have pointed to specific controversies, including competing claims about recognition by major Islamic institutions; for example, debates have arisen regarding the reception of correspondence between the forum and religious authorities such as Al‑Azhar University.

These discussions form part of broader scholarly inquiry into the role of unity‑focused organizations in contemporary Islamic life and the challenges they face in balancing theological dialogue with real‑world political and social dynamics.

See also

• Islamic unity
• International Islamic Unity Conference
• Ali Khamenei
• International Islamic Fiqh Academy