Shaikh-ul-Islam: Muslims would Ignore Extremists

The prominent Sunni leader, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid, pointed to the arrival of the Week of Unity in Iran saying this week has been titled ‘week of unity’ on the birth anniversary of the last prophet, peace be upon him; it proves the beloved prophet is a source for Muslims’ unity.

Talking to tens of thousands worshippers in Zahedan, southeastern Iran, Khateeb of Sunnis termed the life of the last prophet a tool of mercy for the entire humanity. He, peace and prayers be upon him, used to fight only with oppressors and restive elements who were not recognizing any right for others. His Jihad was against tyrants who violated the due rights of other people.

“The messenger of Allah fought with the aggressor kings and rulers; he did not take sword against all disbelievers and non-Muslims of his time. He inked up peace agreements with many Jews and Christians. As well as, he had peace treaties with many non-Muslim Arabs; thus he was the prophet of peace, fraternity, unity and solidarity for humankind,” Shaikh added more.

He alluded to the current circumstances of the Muslim nation and said, “The Islamic unity is not any political or interim issue; rather it has roots in the Noble Qur’an and Hadith. The Qur’an urges: «واعتصموابحبلاللهجمیعاولاتفرقوا», (Hold fast, all of you, to the cord of Allah, and be not divided.); 03-103”

The chairman of the Coordination Council of Sunni Seminaries in Sistan-Baluchistan further said, “The enemies of Islam scare to see Muslims vigilant. They are afraid and sensitive why Islam comes back to play role in the leading of the society; it is not in accordance with their interests. They wish prevalence of darkness, misdeeds and misguidance in our societies.”

He said that Muslims want to rule on their countries independently and freely; they have ousted some of the puppets of the West. This is the point which harasses the enemies of Islam.

“Due to conspiracies of the enemies many of the Muslim states face serious challenges; they want to halt Islamic awakening of Muslim masses by creating disputes and sectarian conflicts. Our enemies do not want to see us prosperous and liberated. This issue requires Muslims’ vigilance; they should be united more.”

Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah underlined, “Muslims have no choice but to recognize the rights of each other. They should protect the rights of their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. It is a just process which enhances fraternity among Muslims. All Muslims should tolerate each other; both Shia and Sunni sects with their different tendencies must tolerate their rival sides in the frame of Islam.”

“Why western powers and countries like Russia should make decisions for Muslims? Why Muslim rulers, scholars and elites do not sit together to resolve their differences? They can find solutions for challenges and crises of Egypt, Syria, Iraq and other Muslim countries. But they cut ties and prefer to be separated while unity and solidarity can ensure their respect and Muslims’ mutual interests,” Shaikh Abdol-Hamid emphasized.

In another part of his speech, he suggested the residents of Sistan-Baluchistan province to show more tolerance and strive to develop their province by unity and fraternity. Fraternity is an Islamic and national duty for the people. “If the talented members of the both communities, Shia and Sunni, are participated in the decision making departments of their province, nobody would be able to damage their unity,” he added more.

Calling the words of the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, in a meeting with governors “very constructive and historical”, he pointed out, “The entire society goes towards temperance; the president and his team believe in moderation and temperance as people elected them for this. Then extremists of all sects and communities must return to the path of temperance, otherwise they would be ignored by the society. Islam does not accept anything but sobriety.”

At the end of his speech, he expressed his hope the new government would take serious steps to remove discriminations utilizing the capabilities of various ethnic and religious communities live in Iran. He said that such steps can guarantee people’s unity, and durable peace and development. It is the way to make this nation an example for the rest of the world.