Forbiddance of Sunnis’ Prayers against Civilized Iranian Nation’s Dignity

Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunna in Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid indicated towards the Government Week in Iran saying, ‘Some people gripe that why we do not recount the government and its services; however, we praised and appreciated the government on different occasions when they took any positive steps and built new projects in the province. The government runs developmental projects without any discrimination between Sunnis and Shiites.’

He added more that Sunnis of Iran has no problem regarding developmental services, but, unfortunately the officials have implemented an illegal law to discriminate between Sunni and Shia residents. The policy of the state is to neglect elite personalities of Sunnis; Sunni students have no any bright future. Parents are disappointed over the future of their children.

Talking to tens of thousands of worshipers in the big Musalla of Sunnis in Zahedan, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid urged that Sunni-majority areas are inseparable parts of Iran, Sunnis want to provide their services for their country, to secure it from dangers, and they want to take part in the security of their motherland. So the rulers must pay attention to them; Sunnis should be employed in all sections, including the armed forces and sensitive offices.

The prominent Sunni leader further said that “justice” was one of the main goals of the revolution in 1979; the founders of the Islamic Republic promised to ensure equality and participation of all races in administration of the country. National security and constant peace can be achieved only by providing rights of both Shiites and Sunnis.

Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan criticized the forbiddance of Sunnis’ Eid al-Fitr prayers in some megacities by the Iranian forces and added more, ‘The constitution is the national convention of all Iranians. In addition to that, international agreements and conventions urge on religious freedom, we can worship the Lord as we want and believe, these conventions declare us free in education and preaching of our school of thought. It is so regrettable that the Iranian rulers violate our rights and Sunnis were not permitted to establish Eid prayers in Tehran and other big cities. We had informed the related authorities before to remove the imposing obstacles.’

The rector of Darululoom Zahedan emphasized that the followers of each sect are free to imitate their concerned Imam; no one can force Sunnis to follow a Shia Imam. We have right to establish prayers according to our jurisprudence. No one impels Shias to offer prayers behind Sunnis inside and outside the country in Muslim states.

Shaikh pointed out that this is the era of communications and Iran is under the lens of other states and nations; they watch and note whatever goes on in the country. We hope the rulers show their open-mindness and vast glance to the issues. The Iranian nation has a bright history, it is a civilized nation; forbiddance of Sunnis’ prayers in big cities is contrary to the dignity of this nation.

Mawlana Abdul Hameed urged that the arc of Shawal was not seen on Tuesday, 30 Aug, therefore, Eid al-Fitr and first day of Shawal al-Mukarram has been announced to be on Wednesday. We do not imitate any particular country in this regard; rather, we look for the moon following the Hadeeth of the prophet (peace & blessings be upon him).

At the end, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunna indicated towards the International Day of missing persons and asked the audience to make Dua for missing persons for their condition; he requested the authorities to follow up the case of missing persons strictly and take out the worried families from the uncertainty.