Secretary General of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Foundation in Kano, Nigeria, slammed Takfiri (excommunication) and extremist movements among Shia and Sunni communities as the biggest hurdles for materialization of Islamic unity.

Sheikh Salih Mohammad al-Thani, top Nigerian cleric in an interview with Iranian Qur'an News Agency (IQNA) related on importance of solidarity in the world of Islam hailing those calling Muslims to unity as tactful and thoughtful, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
He warned of division as the biggest threat against all Islamic denominations in present era and the top priority for all enemies of Islam.
 
"The most important challenge on the way towards unity among Muslims is Takfir which is a result of ignorance and prejudice" said the cleric and slammed the Takfiri groups Daesh, Al Nusra, Boko Haram and Al Shebab in Africa that claim to be Sunni and struggle to tarnish the image of Islam across the globe.
 
He also denounced the extremist groups among Shias who hatch plots and excommunicate others saying," Such groups create the biggest hurdles on the path of fraternity and Islamic unity as they have committed crimes in Syria, Iraq, Somalia and Nigeria."
 
"There is no way to confront the plot much funded and supported by enemies but to call the Islamic nation to boost their unity and materialize the project for proximity among all denominations" said the Muslim scholar.
 
He quoted the Qur'an verse warning of disunity and highlighted "common concepts" shared by all Muslims as the factor that can boost Islamic unity.
 
Sheikh Salih Mohammad al-Thani added," The factors for boosting proximity, as they exist among Muslims in present era, might not be found in other communities across the globe.
 
He stressed," Employing the ideological, religious and economic capabilities in Islamic states can facilitate victory against enemies."
 
Secretary General of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Foundation stressed that Muslims should be informed on the present conditions in the world naming the different challenges and opportunities and also intrigues be enemies of Islam since that is one factor that unifies Muslims.
 
He hailed the lifestyle of Ahlul Bayt (AS), household of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as the role model for unity and cooperation in the world of Islam.