Intellectual exchange is a fundamental pillar of communication between different cultures. It aims to understand the other, exchange ideas, and reduce misunderstandings. This concept is reflected in our research on the art of scholarly exchange between Shiite and Al-Azhar scholars. It aims to promote Islamic unity and resolve doctrinal and jurisprudential differences between them, finding solutions to all differences through meaningful dialogue.

On the other hand, the twentieth century witnessed significant intellectual, political, and social transformations at the Islamic and global levels. These transformations significantly impacted the relationship between Islamic sects, particularly between Shiite and Sunni sects. Despite their differences, which extended over various periods, this century witnessed significant intellectual and activism efforts to unite the two sects through dialogue and exchange of views to achieve Islamic unity and enhance rapprochement and understanding between them. In addition to what has been mentioned, there were significant efforts to overcome the differences between the two parties and unify efforts to confront external threats that pose a danger to all Muslims, regardless of sectarianism. The most prominent challenges are colonialism and internal conflicts, which posed a real challenge to the Islamic nation. There were many manifestations of rapprochement between the two sides, the most prominent of which was the House of Rapprochement between Islamic Schools of Thought, which played a role in stimulating intellectual dialogue between Shiite and Sunni scholars and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between them. Within the framework of our topic (The Intellectual Convergence between Sunni and Shiite Sects), we have clarified the most critical points of convergence between the two sects throughout history, the points of convergence between Shiite and Sunni thought, the rejection of all aspects of their differences, the encouragement of Islamic unity, and the rejection of sedition and intellectual extremism between the two sects. Through our research, we can see the efforts of scholars and leaders to bring the two sects closer together and strive for Islamic unity. These efforts were not limited to the clergy but extended to the efforts of some rulers, starting with Nader Shah's efforts to initiate unity between the two sects, refrain from insulting the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and lead prayers in Mecca under Imam Ja'fari. This is in addition to other attempts by scholars, including Zanjani, Sheikh Salim al-Bishri, and Sheikh al-Shaltut. From the Shiite side, Hibat al-Din al-Shahristani, Muhammad Husayn Kashif al-Ghita', al-Hurr al-'Amili, and many others sought to bring the two sects closer together, explore their differences, and address critical legal issues for the sake of Islamic unity and to resolve their differences. The research covers an introduction to the history of intellectual rapprochement between Shiite and Sunni thought, the most important figures who sought rapprochement between the two sects, and the differences between them, as well as the most important religious figures who sought rapprochement between Sunni and Shiite, thought. The research aims to shed light on these efforts, review the most important figures and institutions that led the rapprochement movement, and study the impact of this rapprochement on Islamic societies in the twentieth century and the lessons that can be learned from it.

Muhammad Rashid Rida: Born on October 18, 1865, in the village of Qalamoun, located on the seashore, a few kilometers south of Tripoli, Syria, he grew up far from the concerns of his peers, loving seclusion. He received his education at his village school and then enrolled in a state-run elementary school, but soon left because all the classes were in Turkish. He then enrolled in the national school run by Sayyid Hasan al-Jisr. For more information, see: Salah al-Din al-Munjid, Yusuf Khoury, Fatwas of Imam Muhammad Rashid Rida, (n.d., n.d., n.d.), Vol. 1, pp. 9-10.

Ibid., pp. 29-30.

Salah al-Din al-Munjid, ibid., Vol. 1, pp. 30-31.

Hibat al-Din al-Shahristani: Sayyid al-Shahristani was born in the city of Samarra in Rajab 1884 CE. His upbringing was religious on both his mother's and father's side. His father strove with all his might to expand his son's cultural knowledge, paving the way for him to learn and cultivate, and taking him to the gatherings of scholars and notables. For more, see: Muhammad Mahdi al-Alawi, Sayyid Hibat al-Din al-Shahristani, (Baghdad: Matba'at al-Adab, 1929 CE), pp. 6-7.

The same source, pp. 10-11.

Muhammad al-Karbasi, The Connections of the Najaf Seminary with al-Azhar Mosque (Aba Allah Muhammad Husayn Kashif al-Ghita' as a Model), (Iraq: Kashif al-Ghita' General Foundation, 2018), p. 14.

The same source, p. )) Mazen Khadir Abbas Al-Ghazi, The Reformist Thought of Sayyid Hibat al-Din al-Shahristani, Karbala Heritage (Magazine), Year (6), Volume (6), Issue (20), pp. 106, 109.

Rayner, the previous source, p. 98.

Muhammad al-Karbasi, the previous source, p. 18.

The same source, pp. 18-20.

The same source, p. 20.

Rayner, previous source, p. 97.

The same source, p. 98.

Al-Gizawi: His Eminence grew up in the town of Warraq al-Khidr, the center of the city of Imbaba, Giza Governorate, in 1264 AH, the year in which the census of Egypt was conducted. He entered the office designated for memorizing the Holy Qur’an in that town in 1269 AH, and memorized the entire Qur’an in late 1272 AH. He then entered Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in late 1273 AH, when he was ten years old. He first worked on the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, memorizing texts, and receiving some lessons. For more, see Zaki Fahmy, Safwat al-Asr fi Tarikh wa-Durus Mushahir Rijal Misr (Egypt: Hindawi Foundation, 2013), p. 505.

Muhammad al-Karbasi, previous source, p. 17. ( ) Rayner Brunner, the previous source, p. 115.

The same source, p. 10.

Abdul Hussein Sharaf al-Din al-Musawi, Al-Muraja'at, presented by: Hassan al-Shirazi, (n.d.: Al-Wafa Foundation, n.d.), pp. 19-20.

The same source, p. 20.

Muhammad al-Karbasi, the previous source, pp. 21-22.

Muhammad Hadi al-Daftar, A Page from the Journey of Imam al-Zanjani, (n.d., n.d., 1947), pp. 35-36.

Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10.

Surah Al-Imran, verse 103.

Surah Al-Isra, verse 70.

Muhammad Baqir Al-Majlisi, Bihar Al-Anwar, volume (23), (Beirut: Al-Wafaa Printing Foundation, n.d.), p. 126.

Muhammad Hadi Al-Daftar, previous source, pp. 38-48.

Muhammad Al-Karbasi, previous source, p. 22.

Muhammad Ali Azarshab, Iran and the Arabs, Imam Muhammad Taqi Al-Qummi, Pioneer of Rapprochement and Islamic Renaissance, Issue 3, 2004, International Information Network (Internet):

http://:www. iranarab.com

Muhammad Mustafa al-Maraghi: He was the Sheikh of Al-Azhar Mosque and the former Chief Justice of Sudan. He was born in the town of Maragha, Egypt, in 1881. He studied at Al-Azhar and was a close associate of Sheikh Muhammad Abduh in the lessons he gave there. He rose through the ranks of Al-Azhar until he assumed the position of Sheikh twice, in 1928 and 1935. He was a seasoned politician and a learned jurist. See: Muhammad Mustafa al-Maraghi, Ijtihad fi al-Islam, edited by Muhammad Abdullah al-Samman (Cairo: 1959), p. 5.

This magazine was published by Dar al-Taqrib Bayn al-Islamiyyah, which began its work in 1368 AH and continued until 1392 AH (1949-1972 AD) with four issues annually. Its publications varied, with the total number of issues reaching international publications (Internet):

http://www. quranicthought.com:

Muhammad Ali Azarshab, Iran and the Arabs, previous source.

Mahmoud Al-Shaltout: Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Shaltout was born in the town of Minyat Bani Mansour, Itay Al-Baroud District, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. After memorizing the Quran, he enrolled in the Alexandria Religious Institute. For more information, see Ayman Muhammad Mustafa, The Grand Imam Mahmoud Shaltout and His Differences with Contemporary Salafism, Language and Literature Magazine, p. 322.

Muhammad Wahba, When Al-Azhar Issued a Fatwa Validating the Shiite Sect, International Information Network: (Internet)

http://www.raseef22.net.

Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Shaltout, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, His Missionary Life, The Issue of Rapprochement between Sunnis and Shiites, previous source, p. 1644.

Muhammad Al-Karbasi, previous source, pp. 23-24.