Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid on Friday (December 6, 2024), at the 50th convocation of Ain-ul-Uloom Seminary in Gosht, Saravan, described “ethnic and linguistic diversity” as one of Iran’s beauties and emphasized the necessity of “equal rights” for all ethnicities and sects in the country.
The Ain-ul-Uloom Gosht convocation is an eagerly anticipated event; this ceremony aims to “honor the status of knowledge”
According to the information center of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed delight at the widespread participation of scholars and various segments of the public in the graduation ceremony of Ain-ul-Uloom Seminary, which coincided with the Friday prayer in Gosht. He stated:
“I am very pleased to participate in this blessed Friday event dedicated to honoring the Quran, the Sunnah, and knowledge. This luminous gathering is graced by distinguished scholars and esteemed guests from various provinces and regions across the country, including Mawlana Mohammad Hossein Gorgij and other scholars from Golestan Province, Kak Hassan Amini and scholars from Kurdistan, Mawlana Seyyed Mohammad Fazeli Movahed and scholars from Khorasan Province, and Sheikh Ebrahim Esmaeili from Hormozgan Province.”
He also expressed gratitude to the administration and teachers of Ain-ul-Uloom Seminary in Gosht, as well as everyone involved in organizing the event and hosting the guests, and offered prayers for their well-being.
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan highlighted the importance of holding religious and academic gatherings, stating:
“Organizing such events and gatherings is highly beneficial for the public and contributes to the advancement of religious and academic culture in society. Today, our community needs both religious and university-based education.”
In today’s Islamic Iran, women are experiencing an unprecedented awakening
“Demanding one’s rights” is a sign of a nation’s vitality
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further stated:
“I would like to extend my appreciation to all the dear people who have traveled from near and far to attend this event, especially to the honorable women. According to the organizers, women’s presence at this event exceeds that of men, and I express my special thanks to them. This signifies the awakening of women in our society.”
He remarked:
“Today, in Islamic Iran, women are experiencing an unprecedented awakening, actively pursuing education and striving to secure their rightful demands. Demanding one’s rights is not a cause for concern; rather, it reflects the vitality and liveliness of a nation.”
The Salvation of Humanity Lies in “Complete Adherence to Islam”
A Religion That Neglects the Rights of People Cannot Be a Source of Salvation
In his address at the 50th convocation ceremony of the Ain-ul-Uloom Seminary in Gosht, Saravan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, citing the Quranic verse “O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy” [Al-Baqarah: 208], emphasized the imperative of “complete adherence to Islam” and stated:
“The prosperity and salvation of this world and the hereafter for humanity lies in embracing Islam, which is the greatest, most complete, and final divine religion.”
He elaborated:
“In the verses preceding this, Allah the Almighty delineates the characteristics of two distinct groups: the first group comprises hypocrites, who outwardly profess Islam and articulate pleasant words that resonate with Muslims but, in reality, spread corruption on earth—’And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals’ [Al-Baqarah: 205]. The second group consists of sincere believers, who dedicate their lives for the sake of Allah’s pleasure—’And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah’ [Al-Baqarah: 207]. Following this, Allah commands the believers not to emulate the hypocrites, who adhere selectively to religious teachings, but instead to enter Islam fully and uphold both Huqooq Allah (the rights of Allah) and Huqooq al-Nas (the rights of people).”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid underscored:
“The observance of both Huqooq Allah and Huqooq al-Nas holds immense significance and has been repeatedly emphasized in the Quran and Sunnah. In many Quranic verses, the rights of people are given precedence over the rights of Allah, while in certain contexts, the rights of Allah take priority. The foremost and most significant right of Allah upon His servants is Tawheed (monotheism). Following Tawheed, observing the rights of people, particularly Huqooq al-Walidayn (the rights of parents), takes precedence. A Muslim’s faith achieves perfection only when both the rights of Allah and the rights of people are upheld. A religion that focuses solely on Tawheed while neglecting people’s rights cannot lead to true salvation.”
Leaders and All Members of Society Must Uphold “Huqooq Allah (Rights owed to Allah) and Huqooq al-Nas (Rights owed to people)”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid continued:
“Many people mistakenly believe that possessing ‘correct beliefs’ alone suffices for salvation, neglecting the essential obligations and pillars of religion, while committing injustices and sins. They assume that merely identifying as ‘Muslims’ is sufficient for divine forgiveness. However, this is a grave misunderstanding. Anyone who oppresses others, violates the rights of women, children, orphans, or any other group in society, will undoubtedly be held accountable by Allah.”
He further stated:
“We are all servants of Allah, and it is our duty to follow His commands, for He is our Creator and Sustainer, and everything we possess is by His grace. Thus, it is incumbent upon all members of society, including global leaders, to ensure the observance of Huqooq Allah and Huqooq al-Nas. Both leaders and individuals must adhere to Allah’s commandments and respect the rights of others.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized:
“No one has the authority to punish, fine, or penalize anyone without adhering to the commands and laws of Allah. We strongly advise everyone to respect the rights of Allah’s servants. All are obligated to follow the Shariah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ensure that no individual’s rights are violated.”
“Discrimination” Has No Place in Islam; Justice and Equity Are Fundamental
Referring to the “diversity of ethnicities and languages in Iran,” Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid remarked:
“The ethnic diversity of Islamic Iran, with its multitude of ethnicities and languages, is a source of beauty. This diversity is akin to a garden adorned with various colorful and fragrant flowers, collectively creating a magnificent and harmonious scene. These ethnicities and languages together constitute the fabric of Iran, where Allah has deemed them equal in rights. Although the Constitution has attempted to enshrine some equality, it is imperative that the rights of all are upheld uniformly. Discrimination and inequality are alien to Islam, which is inherently a religion of justice. There can be no Islam without justice and fairness.”
He concluded:
“The Iranian nation is a united entity, standing in solidarity to advocate for the legitimate rights of women, ethnicities, and deserving individuals. It is essential that justice prevails, even among the capable and deserving.”
Scholars and Officials Must Be “People-Oriented” to Achieve “Endurance”
Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid advised all officials, scholars, community leaders, elders, and diverse social groups across Iran to lead people-centered lives. He remarked:
“If you stand with the people and care for their well-being, Allah will support you and never abandon you. Any individual or effort aligned with the interests of the people will endure. History has shown us the fate of scholars who distanced themselves from the public.”
He continued:
“‘Allah’ and ‘the people’ are the two fundamental axes; seek Allah’s approval and mercy through serving the people. Allah commanded His Prophet to be close to the weaker sections of society:
‘And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them…’ [Al-Kahf: 28]. Therefore, it is the responsibility of scholars to associate with the weak, the poor, the oppressed, the broken-hearted, and those whose rights have been violated, so that they may receive Allah’s mercy. Scholars and rulers must refrain from chasing worldly adornments and instead live modestly, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
Officials Should Strive for Public Welfare and Pay Attention to the Demands of All, Especially Women
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan further advised:
“We urge officials to adopt a people-oriented approach, care for the public, strive for their welfare, and prioritize their comfort. No scholar, elder, ruler, or official should cause the oppressed to cry out in anguish, for there is no barrier between the cry of the oppressed and Allah, and such cries can consume and destroy everything.”
He stressed:
“Scholars, officials, and all those holding positions of responsibility in society must value all ethnicities and social groups, ensuring that no individual’s rights are violated. Special attention must be paid to the needs of all, particularly those of women.”
Matters Aligned with Religion and Presented with Kindness Will Be Accepted by the Public
Mawlana Abdol Hamid remarked:
“The women of our society accept what is ordained by the Quran, Hadith, and religion—not the independent interpretations or rules made by some who draft laws overnight and impose hefty fines. Issues must be addressed with kindness, wisdom, and public consideration.”
He added:
“If you, as officials, practice people-oriented governance, the public will accept whatever is consistent with the Quran, Sunnah, and the practices of the Prophet, his companions, and the Ahl al-Bayt, provided these matters are conveyed with kindness.”
Scholars and Officials Must Be “Compassionate Servants of the People”
The Zahedan prayer leader continued:
“Scholars and officials must be compassionate and serve the people, which is an honor for them. Personally, my greatest aspiration is to serve and care for the people, and I consider this a privilege. We must dedicate our lives to serving the public. Whenever Allah grants me the opportunity to supplicate, I pray for the prosperity and honor of Iran’s people in both this world and the hereafter, as well as for the guidance and happiness of all humanity.”
The Province’s Security Must Be Preserved; Insecurity Harms Both People and Officials
In conclusion, Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized the need to maintain “security” and said:
“Security is a vital and critical matter. We urge the people of this country, particularly in Sistan-Baluchistan, to preserve security. Insecurity harms the public, officials, and all segments of society.”
He added:
“Given the new circumstances in the country, greater attention must be paid to maintaining security so that there are no obstacles to ensuring justice, advancing the province, or addressing people’s problems.”
The Friday prayer leader emphasized:
“My message to those beyond our borders is also to strive for security. Existing disputes should be resolved through mutual forgiveness and understanding.”
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