Today (October 25, 2024), during Friday prayers in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing conflict and bloodshed in Gaza and Lebanon, describing these events as “heart-wrenching” and “unbearable.” He emphasized the urgent need for “unity among Islamic nations” and called for efforts by both Islamic and non-Islamic countries to establish a ceasefire and prevent further violence.
Compassion for Humanity and Preventing Bloodshed Is a Human Responsibility
According to the Office of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid remarked, “Sadly, today many people in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon are losing their lives on both sides. Similarly, the Russia-Ukraine war has led to heavy casualties for both sides. Why don’t those who have the power step in to stop these conflicts and encourage dialogue? Everyone must work towards justice and respect for the rights of nations, communities, and religious groups. Where is the international community, the nations that profess progress and civilization, to mediate and pressure the parties to accept ceasefire, dialogue, and justice?”
He added, “The Quran says: ‘Whoever kills a soul without justification is as if he has killed all of humanity, and whoever saves one life is as if he has saved all of humanity’ (Quran 5:32). Allah states that taking the life of one innocent is like taking the lives of all, and saving one is like saving all. Thus, compassion for humanity and preventing war and bloodshed is a fundamental human duty.”
Scenes in Gaza Are “Heart-Wrenching” and “Unbearable”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan further emphasized the need for “unity among Islamic countries,” saying, “The responsibility of Islamic countries in this matter is immense. While Islamic nations may have their differences, why can’t they unite to stop the oppression and bloodshed in the holy land? Islamic countries should come together, leverage the resources Allah has granted them – particularly as many control essential economic lifelines – and exert pressure on any party that refuses to accept peace and a ceasefire. The parties should exchange and free each other’s captives.”
He added, “What is happening in Gaza is so distressing that it’s unacceptable to the world. Last night, around 200 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli attack, including defenseless women, children, and civilians. What human heart can endure the loss of life, financial devastation, and displacement happening in Palestine and Lebanon?”
He continued, “Despite their differences, Islamic and non-Islamic countries, East and West, must stop the conflicts in Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, and even Russia and Ukraine.”
Eastern and Western Countries Pursue Their Own Interests / “Allah’s Support” and “People’s Satisfaction” Strengthen Any Nation and Government
Mawlana Abdol Hamid pointed out that Eastern and Western powers have historically prioritized their own interests. “They forge relations with smaller countries to serve their own agendas, inciting conflicts between nations to benefit from the chaos while avoiding direct involvement themselves,” he said.
He urged, “No country or government should place its trust in Eastern or Western powers or be misled by them. Rather, the strength of any nation and government lies in reliance on Allah and standing with its people, ensuring their satisfaction. Allah says to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): ‘O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and the believers who follow you’ (Quran 8:64).”
The Best Leader Is One Who Listens to the People and Shows Humility Toward Them
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan advised the nation’s officials to keep Allah and the people at the forefront of their concerns. “This nation is a ‘divine mercy and power,’” he said. “Therefore, stay connected to the people, address their needs and challenges, and take steps to alleviate their economic struggles.” He continued, “Allah tells the Prophet (PBUH): ‘And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.’ The best leader is one who listens to the people and is humble toward them. If you have ‘Allah’ and the ‘people’ by your side, you will need no one else, and no one will dare act against you. However, if both Allah and the people abandon someone, they will have no refuge.”
Officials Should Address the Concerns of the People of Taftan / Resorting to Force Should Be Avoided
Mawlana Abdol Hamid also spoke about the concerns of the people of Taftan regarding the gold mining activities in their region. He said, “The people of Taftan, whose ancestors have lived here for generations, are anxious and distressed. Their concerns are valid: they worry about the destruction of the environment, the depletion of groundwater, and the devastation of their agricultural lands and pastures.” He urged officials to listen to these concerns, saying, “If these worries are baseless, convince them; but if they are justified, address them appropriately. The people’s interests should take priority over the interests of companies that come here from other places to exploit resources. Let there be no recourse to force. The prayers of the people can bring us blessings and success, while their sorrow and grievances can create difficulties for us.”
We Have Always Emphasized “Dialogue” / Issues Will Not Be Resolved Without “Selflessness”
In his closing remarks, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed that the best way to resolve issues is through “dialogue.” “We have consistently advocated for dialogue,” he said. “When the tragic incident of Bloody Friday happened, we declared that we were open to dialogue. We have never opposed negotiation; we are willing to listen and express our own views. However, force, pressure, and summonses are not effective solutions.”
He added, “We have never turned down anyone who has approached us for dialogue. I personally have made time to listen and convey my concerns, and these words have reached officials. Delegations from our side have also met with high-level officials and vice-presidents to listen and share perspectives.”
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan concluded by emphasizing the need for “selflessness” to resolve disputes, saying, “Issues will not be solved without selflessness. If either party is unwilling to let go of something, no resolution will be reached. When the doors to dialogue are open, and the rights of the people are at stake, those rights must be upheld. What matters is that we approach each other with open hearts and hands.”
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