On the other hand, Molawi Ishaq Madani, the Iranian president’s advisor for Sunnī Muslims’ affairs, underlined the importance of having closer ties binding Egypt and Iran, noting this “alleged” difference between Sunnīs and Shiites is “in the political interests of only certain Arab governments and enemies from foreign countries”.

“We in (Shiite) Iran do not allow cursing the sahābah (the Prophet Muhammad’s companions) or criticizing the Sunnī doctrine, at least in front of the Sunnīs,” said Madani in interview with al-Wafd newspaper. [Author Not Mentioned, al-Wafd, April 18, p. 5] Read original text in Arabic