Alluding to the place of science and knowledge in Islam, in the first part of his speech of Oct. 9, 2020, Mufti Mohammad Qasem Qasemi, emphasized that the development of any society depends on its knowledgeable and scientific level.
Mufti Qasemi stated in the gathering of Sunni worshipers in Zahedan: “Science is the basic and most valuable wealth of any nation. Allah Almighty revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an by mentioning knowledge. The message of the first verses of Surah al-Alaq is that the Ummah should learn to read”.
The chairman of Darul-Ifta of Darululoom Zahedan continued: “Believers and scholars have a big responsibility in the society; they should serve knowledge and work harder”.
“Our today must be better than yesterday and our tomorrow should be better than today”, he said.
The senior teacher of Hadith and Fiqh of Darululoom Zahedan stated: “In the light of knowledge and its practices, we will achieve high levels of progress in our society. An ignorant society is always deprived, and the societies that respect knowledge are successful. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‘Allah elevates some people by this book, the Holy Qur’an, (exalts the nations who study, practice and have scientific activities) and disgrace some others (who are ignorant of knowledge).”
“All classes of the society must pay attention to knowledge”, he said.
The eminent Sunni scholar added: “There are many Muslims who do not even know the basic necessities of the prayer, Zakat and transactions; they commit unlawful (Haram) without knowing it. At the time of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, traders and merchants were taught the basic information of trade and those who learnt the rules of transaction, were allowed to trade”.
Mufti Qasemi further advised and emphasized on planning for reciting the Holy Qur’an, learning its meanings and practicing it in the life.
At the end of his speech, the Friday prayer leader of Sunnis in Zahedan alluded to the importance of the day of Friday and encouraged Muslims to strive for good deeds on Fridays.
Shaikh Qasemi considered sending salutations to the Holy Prophet PBUH as other essential deeds on Fridays.
He continued: “When you salute to the Holy Prophet one time, ten blessings will be revealed to you for each salutation, you will achieve ten grades, ten good deeds will be written for you, and ten sins will be forgiven for you. In such circumstances, let us salute more.”
He added: “The Holy Prophet PBUH said: ‘On the Day of Judgment, the closest person to me is the one who had sent the most greetings to me’. Allah removes disasters and pests by sending salutations to the Holy Prophet PBUH”.
Reconsider Mawlana Koohi’s Prison Sentence
Referring to the 76-month prison sentence for Mawlana Fazlu-Rahman Koohi, a prominent Sunni scholar in Iranian Baluchistan, Mufti Mohammad Qasem Qasemi called officials to review the sentence and release him.
Mufti Mohammad Qasem stated in the final part of his speech that Shaikh Fazlu-Rahman Koohi was one of the most influential Sunni leaders in the region.
Mufti Qasemi believed that reconsidering Koohi’s prison sentence would boost unity and security of the country.
“After several months in detention, Shaikh Koohi ultimately sentenced in prison for several years. People are worried about the sentence imposed on him”, said the most influential Mufti of Sunnis in Iran.
The vice-Friday prayer leader of Zahedan further pointed out: “Koohi’s criticism was aimed for reformation and he was a well-wisher to the country. Provincial officials were expected to resolve the issue, but unfortunately the prison sentence was eventually issued by the senior officials, that raised concerns among the Sunnis in Iran”.
Mufti Mohammad Qasem emphasized: “As far as we know, Koohi is a righteous and pious person; Ulama of the region have written letters about the case to the officials”.
It should be mentioned that the prominent scholars of Sistan-Baluchistan had previously written several letters to the Supreme Leader calling for the release of Mawlana Koohi.
The eminent teacher of Hadith and jurisprudence of Darululoom Zahedan stated: “Sunni scholars are benevolent to the country and to the nation. Koohi did not use harsh words against the government in his speeches. He has always respected the officials, the supreme leader and sanctities of religions”.
“According to the principle of ‘in dubio pro reo’, the defendant may not be convicted by the court when doubts about his/her guilt remain”, said Mufti Qasemi.
The chairman of Darululoom Zahedan’s Darul-Ifta continued: “Dear officials are aware about the conditions of the society; our people are also aware of this. In the current situation in which the Islamic world and our country are facing various infections and economic problems, we should consider such circumstances. As Sunnis, We want to maintain fraternity and unity”.
At the end of his speech, Mufti Qasemi emphasized: “What helps unity and prevents the abuse of the enemies, is to reconsider Koohi’s prison sentence”.
He also called on people to calm down and said: “There will be necessary talks to the officials in this regard. We hope that this issue and other problems will be resolved soon”.