This week, after a brief break, we are honoured to host a highly respected, patient, and experienced Imam of Friday and congregational prayers, whose name is fondly remembered in religious circles. Ḥujjat al-Islām wa al-Muslimīn Sayed Saeed Al khalkhali has a long record of service not only in Europe but also in Asia. His missionary work abroad began amid personal hardship and tragedy—his family suffered severe oppression, and several members were martyred.

We approached this interview through the lens of the roots of division and the goals behind sowing discord among Muslims. His reflections are thoughtful, well-informed, and worthy of close attention.

1. What has your experience been like as an Imam of Friday prayers?

In 1990, due to the oppressive regime in Iraq and the martyrdom of my father and brother under Saddam, we left the country. I was then sent to Thailand through the office of Āyatullāh al-Khūʾī. At the time, there were around 40,000 to 50,000 Shia Muslims living there, desperately in need of religious guidance, though very few were willing to go due to the distance and difficulties involved. That was my first overseas missionary assignment, and I served for 5 to 6 months as Imam of the Imambara Mosque in Bangkok.

In 1992, I moved to the UK and led the Āyatullāh Khūʾī Centre in Swansea for five years. In 1995, I returned to London and served for ten years (until 2005) as the Imam at the Khūʾī Foundation in London. However, Friday prayers were not held there due to concerns about maintaining proper Islamic legal distance. Since 2005, I have been serving under the guidance of Āyatullāh Sīstānī’s office and have led the Ahlulbayt Institute in London.

My daily lectures primarily focus on ethical, doctrinal, and religious matters. While my contribution may be small, I pray it is accepted by the Almighty as part of the mission of spreading the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

2. Whenever Muslim unity was ignored, it led to certain defeat. Could you give two historical examples of neglecting unity among Muslims?

Unity is the most essential pillar for the endurance of Muslim societies. Throughout history, we have seen repeated failures due to internal division. Shia scholars have consistently emphasised unity among Muslims. One of the great manifestations of this unity is the shared pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, where Sunni and Shia Muslims stand side by side, united in their direction of prayer—no sectarianism is visible.

Both Grand Ayatollah Sīstānī and Ayatollah Khāmeneʾī continuously emphasise the importance of unity and solidarity across the Muslim world. Āyatullāh Sīstānī even states, “Do not say they are our brothers—say they are from us.” This leaves no doubt about the Shia position on Muslim unity.

What is crucial to realise is that the enemies of Islam are opposed to the very foundation of Islam—not just one sect or another. Their aim in creating division is not to destroy either Shia or Sunni schools, but to tarnish the entire image and essence of Islam.

As for examples, one of the earliest was the neglect of unity following the event of Ghadīr Khumm. In the presence of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), all pledged allegiance to Imām ʿAlī (peace be upon him), but after the Prophet’s passing, this momentous event was ignored, and division crept in, eventually leading to the tragedy of Karbala.

Another example is the fall of Muslim rule in Andalusia (Spain). After gaining great power, Muslims failed to preserve unity, and the enemy exploited internal divisions to spread corruption and bring about their downfall. Today, similar plots are constantly at play, with modern tools being used to promote division. Sadly, many Muslim societies remain unaware of this grave threat. Much of the oppression suffered by Muslims today stems from internal divisions—our enemies use our ignorance against us in a campaign of ideological warfare.

3. What are the modern tools used to cause division among Muslims today?

There are many tools used today. Sometimes a speaker, preacher, or even a religious orator—whether Shia or Sunni—can become a source of division. However, the most powerful tool today is modern media and digital platforms.

Through false and manipulated content, they spread misinformation about the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, distort Qur’anic verses or ḥadīths, and gradually alter public belief systems. The enemy’s media capabilities are vast and sophisticated.

Unfortunately, many Muslims are unaware of the scale of this information war. For instance, we are currently witnessing a flood of fake news targeting a Muslim country that is under attack. More than the physical bombardment, the real attack is ideological—an attempt to confuse public opinion globally.

Nevertheless, by the grace of God, the blood of the oppressed will not be wasted. Courageous youth and independent thinkers are spreading the truth. In these circumstances, every Friday Imam has a duty to expose these efforts and awaken the public to this soft war being waged against Islam.

4. In Europe, there is a growing gap between youth and their families. What role can Friday Imams play in bridging this gap?

Certainly, life in Europe affects the family structure of Muslim households. One major issue today is the growing distance between youth and religion. Respect for parents and the cohesion of the family unit are essential values of Muslim life.

When we look at the environment as a key influence on upbringing, we realise how powerful it is. Children spend long hours in schools where moral values are weak. Knowing the basics of prayer and fasting is not enough to meet the intellectual and spiritual needs of today’s Muslim youth.

Unfortunately, many parents themselves are not equipped with religious understanding and thus struggle to engage meaningfully with their children. This is even more complicated when the primary language of the children is English or the local language of their country of birth.

Therefore, religious education must be provided in English or the native language of the child. It is a critical duty for families, mosques, and Islamic centres to prioritise this.

5. Sectarian conflict is one of the main sources of discord in the Muslim world. How can a Shia Imam of Friday prayers respond to this challenge?

A Friday Imam, grounded in the teachings of the Qur’an and Islam, should encourage mutual respect, patience, and dignified dialogue with followers of all faiths. Whether the other party is Sunni, Christian, Jewish, or even Buddhist, the approach should always be one of kindness and wisdom.

Imām al-Riḍā (peace be upon him) teaches us to convey the words and manners of the Ahl al-Bayt through good speech. This means the following:

First: Patience.

Second: Thoughtful reflection.

Third: Use of beautiful and respectful speech.

This is how we build awareness and attract hearts. Without doubt, such conduct neutralises sedition. The enemy, however, is always on the lookout and continues to incite division. Muslims must remain alert and well-informed about the strategies and nature of these threats.