Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, during today’s Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan (November 29, 2024), emphasized the positive impact of “soft words and policies” compared to “harsh and aggressive policies and actions.” He stressed the importance of “gaining public satisfaction” and “revising laws and policies in the interest of the people and the country.”
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Prayer Office in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated:
Allah Almighty is not with harshness and severity; rather, His attention and support are with kindness and gentle words. Allah instructed Prophet Musa (Moses) and Prophet Harun (Aaron), peace be upon them: ‘And speak to him [Pharaoh] with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah]’ (Quran 20:44). Even with Pharaoh, one of history’s greatest tyrants, Allah recommended soft speech so that it might affect him or lead to reflection.
He continued:
This guidance to Prophet Musa is, in reality, a lesson for all humanity: that soft words, behavior, and policies are more effective than harsh words, behavior, and policies. The experiences of reformers, preachers, and governments throughout history show that better results are achieved through gentleness, good manners, and engaging with people respectfully. Our advice to all governments and states is that harsh actions and words do not work; rather, soft behavior and speech should always be employed.
“No Changes in Some Laws After 45 Years” / Laws Should Consider Global Conditions
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan further remarked:
My consistent recommendation has been that, like other countries, laws and policies that have been enacted by legislative bodies or the Guardian Council, which have proven ineffective, must be changed. Continuing ineffective laws and policies has caused significant harm.
He added:
Laws created by humans are only functional for a limited period and cannot remain effective indefinitely. These laws must change in response to evolving human conditions. Even in divine laws, there are instances of naskh (abrogation), where Allah Almighty replaced previous rulings with new ones when circumstances changed. However, after the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the cessation of revelation, divine laws explicitly stated in the Quran and Sunnah remain immutable until the Day of Judgment. Issues subject to ijtihad (jurisprudential reasoning) can change.
Mawlana Abdol Hamid noted:
Unfortunately, 45 years have passed since the enactment of some laws and policies in our country, yet many of them have not undergone any change, which has led to deficiencies. I say this as a well-wisher and out of concern for our country. We live in this world and must consider its conditions, evaluating which laws benefit the people and the nation. Members of parliament, the government that submits bills, and other relevant bodies should take global circumstances into account when passing laws.
Welcoming the Provincial Council’s Resolution to Dismantle Checkpoints; Such Actions Foster “Unity” and “Security”
Security is the Foundation of Development
In another part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid welcomed the dismantling of many checkpoints in Zahedan and other parts of the province, stating:
We welcome the removal of checkpoints that existed around the cities of the province, especially Zahedan, which have now been dismantled. The new governor of Sistan and Baluchistan and the Provincial Security Council have made efforts in this regard.
He added:
I am confident that harshness and pressure cannot achieve unity or establish security. However, the Provincial Security Council’s initiative to remove checkpoints will contribute positively to “unity” and “security.” Unity and security are interconnected, each influencing the other. We, too, emphasize and recommend maintaining the security of the province and the country. Security is the foundation of any development, and the development and progress of the province are only possible in the shadow of security.
A “Popular Movement” for Establishing Security Has Begun in the Province
Zahedan’s Friday Prayer Leader stated:
We have some concerns about the security forces. Before the President’s visit to the province, there were pressures around the seminary and mosque, which were lifted after his visit but have now resumed. Our recommendation is that these pressures will not yield results. If you seek security, follow the same approach taken by the Provincial Security Council in removing checkpoints.
He emphasized:
We all must take steps towards fostering closeness and ensuring security in the current situation. A popular movement for establishing security has now started in the region and the province. During my visits to the province’s cities, one of my key recommendations has been the preservation of security.
Gaining People’s Satisfaction is the “Greatest Service,” Dissatisfying Them the “Greatest Harm”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed the importance of “winning the satisfaction of the Iranian nation,” saying:
We must win the hearts of all Iranians, including women, ethnicities, and religious groups, and ensure the people are not dissatisfied. Everyone must strive to provide people with freedom.
He added:
The greatest service to any government or system, whether Islamic or otherwise, is rendered by those who win the people’s hearts, and the greatest harm is done by those who cause public dissatisfaction. This is a truth no one can deny.
“We Advocate Justice and Moderation” / Islam Without Justice is Questionable
He further noted:
We are advocates of justice and moderation. We have often stated that our Islam is one of balance and moderation, opposing both extremism and negligence. Without justice and fairness, nothing can thrive.
He continued:
Justice and fairness are universally accepted values. If someone does not accept justice, their faith in Islam should be questioned. Some Islamic schools of thought regard justice as a fundamental principle, while others consider it a duty and pillar. We care deeply about Islam and the country and fear that people might develop negative perceptions of religion and Islam.
Drug-Related Executions Result in Nothing but Orphaned Families; Political Executions Are Also Flawed
Addressing the issue of executions, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated:
One of the laws causing public concern and having global repercussions for the country involves harsh actions, forced confessions, and the rise in executions.
He added:
All these individuals are our fellow Iranians. When some Muslims suggested to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the hypocrites spying against Muslims be killed, the Prophet refrained, saying that if he killed them, the world would accuse him of killing his own people.
The Friday Prayer Leader emphasized:
The executions carried out to combat drug trafficking have resulted in nothing but leaving Iranian families without breadwinners. Political executions are also flawed. My heartfelt request to officials is to replace executions with imprisonment and other punitive measures for those who commit crimes. However, implementing qisas (retributive justice) is Allah’s command and entirely correct, except when the victim’s family forgives.
Rising Suicide Rates in the Country Must Be Addressed
In the concluding part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed regret over the “increase in suicide rates” in the country, stating:
Unfortunately, suicide has become prevalent, with some even sewing their mouths shut. These issues must be studied to understand why doctors, specialists, and children are committing suicide. If there are underlying problems, pressures, or hardships, they must be resolved to bring about relief.
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