Clerics and religious institutions in the Middle East can play a dual role in society, either pouring oil or water on the flames of conflicts.

Prominent religious authorities in Iran's Qom and Iraq's Najaf have simultaneously called on the political leaders in their respective countries to improve relations with Saudi Arabia. The authorities stated that this move would be in the interest of all Muslims and would unite them in their struggle against terrorism and religious extremism. The request followed Saudi Arabia's adoption of a strict stance against Salafist jihadism, and pledging to reform domestic and foreign policies.

Sheikh Wahid Khorasani, a top religious authority in Qom, said on Dec. 3 it was necessary for Iran to improve relations with Saudi Arabia. The message was addressed to Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, president of the Expediency Discernment Council of the System in Iran, and was delivered by Seyed Taha Hashemi. Sheikh Khorasani said that Rafsanjani must travel to Saudi Arabia to improve ties and reach an agreement. Khorasani said that this is in the best interest of the Iranian nuclear issue and the Islamic world, adding that Rafsanjani is the only one who can play this role now.

Al-Monitor learned from a religious source close to Ali al-Sistani in Najaf that Sistani has a similar vision regarding the necessity of a rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, since both countries face the common threat of Salafist jihadism as represented by the Islamic State (IS). Iraqi President Fouad Massoum visited Najaf Nov. 11 to meet with Sistani before embarking on a formal visit to Saudi Arabia. Sistani praised the Iraqi government’s efforts to improve its regional relations and called for the strengthening of ties with all neighboring countries. The Saudi king praised Sistani’s great positions, and expressed his wishes for further unity and consistency among the different components in Iraq.