Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, today (February 6th, 2026) during the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, referred to the 47th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Revolution and the promises that were made to the people at that time regarding the “implementation of justice,” the “development of the country,” and “economic progress.” He stated that achieving “justice” and “a better life” was the main reason behind the people’s revolution in that period, and he expressed regret over the fact that those promises have not been fulfilled.
🔹 The Iranian Revolution Was “National”; “Ethnicity And Religion” Were Not Issues For Anyone
According to the official information website of the Office of the Sunni Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid said: During the Revolution, the people of Iran stood together with love and friendship, and ethnicity, sect, and religion were not matters of concern for anyone. The Iranian Revolution was a “national” movement, carried out in order to attain rights and a better life.
🔹 The Root Of The Country’s Problems Goes Back To The Constitution
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan further noted: When the Assembly of Experts decided to draft the Constitution, problems emerged in the process. Mawlana Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on him), in response to the approval of an official sect in the Constitution, objected and stated that it should be sufficient to recognize “Islam” as the official religion of the country, since Islam as the religion of the majority of Iranians includes all Muslims, whether Shi’a or Sunni, and there was no need to raise the issue of an “official sect.”
He said that the Assembly of Experts also passed certain other laws with the aim of preserving the government—laws that had no precedent either in Islam or in international legal frameworks.
He added: There are clauses in the Constitution that are the reason behind the current problems in the country. Therefore, the root of the country’s problems goes back to the Constitution, and that is why it has been said that the Constitution must be changed.
🔹 After The Revolution, “Religious And Ethnic Perspectives” Dominated The Country
Mawlana Abdolhamid continued: After the Revolution, instead of forming an inclusive government, many groups and parties that had played a role in the Revolution’s victory were pushed aside, and religious and ethnic viewpoints came to dominate.
Whereas the path of Islam—and what pleases God—was to act beyond ethnicity, beyond sectarianism, and even beyond religion, so that religious minorities in Iran would be given attention, their qualified individuals would be utilized, and their rights would be fully respected.
He stated: Over time, narrow-mindedness increased and the circle was made tighter, despite warnings given even then that Islam is broad and inclusive, and that the Islamic Republic—being attributed to Islam—must have a wide, inclusive outlook.
It was warned that if extremists came to power, they would create problems, and that in assigning responsibilities, people’s competence and merit must be taken into consideration.
🔹 “Narrow-Mindedness” And “Strict Vetting” Restricted Parliament And Government
Mawlana Abdolhamid added: Narrow-mindedness went so far that it even restricted the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), and through strict vetting, capable individuals were prevented from entering Parliament. Governments faced the same fate; the selection of managers and ministers was not based on merit, but rather on affiliations and other considerations.
He said warnings were repeatedly given that such narrow-mindedness would bring the country to a dead end.
🔹 After Some Time, “Reform” Was Raised—But It Also Led Nowhere
He noted: After some time, “reform” was introduced, and those who had played a vital role in the Revolution returned to the scene and said reforms must be made. But reforms also led nowhere and were unable to bring about change.
🔹 Over Time, The Country’s Atmosphere Turned “Security-Based” And “Militarized”; Even “Religions” Were Securitized
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan said: Unfortunately, the country’s atmosphere moved toward a security-based approach, and various security bodies were formed. The country moved toward militarization, and the military—who at the beginning of the Revolution and during the time of the late leader had been told not to interfere in politics and the economy—entered politics and the economy, took control of these arenas, and claimed that “the battlefield” determines “politics.”
Whereas politics must be determined by politicians, not the military. The military has a different path and is responsible for maintaining national security.
He emphasized: Even religious sects were securitized, and in some counties prayer halls were closed down or seized. Newspapers and publications in the country also became securitized. Politics itself was securitized, and in many cases complaints were made that people’s private lives were being interfered with.
🔹 Before The January Protests, Warnings Were Repeatedly Given About A “Political And Economic Deadlock”; If Only The Advice Of Well-Wishers Had Been Heeded
Mawlana Abdolhamid continued: Several weeks before the January protests, warnings were issued that the country was facing a political and economic deadlock. Some said, “You are discouraging the people.” We said: We are not discouraging the people; rather, we feel it is our duty to speak the truth and state realities. Realities must be stated so that officials become aware and find remedies for future incidents and events. Of course, it was not only me who said these things; many other well-wishers also raised these issues. If only the advice of well-wishers had been taken seriously.
🔹 The January Events Were “Extremely Heartbreaking And Shocking” / No Scholar Who Follows The Path Of Moderation Considers This “Killing” Permissible
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan described the January events as “extremely heartbreaking” and said: The recent developments were truly heartbreaking; if only these events had not happened. Now that the dimensions of the tragedy are becoming clear, they are genuinely shocking. A person’s heart burns when seeing scenes of the cries and lamentations of families who have lost their loved ones. I do not think any scholar who follows the path of moderation would consider this kind of killing permissible, and I am certain that no one will have an excuse before Allah the Exalted for the blood that has been shed.
He continued: People whose livelihoods have reached a complete dead end protested and raised their voices. If only the voice of these people had been heard and their problems addressed. They are the honorable nation of Iran and the true benefactors of all officials.
🔹 No Official Or Politician Should Insist On One Single Path
Mawlana Abdolhamid went on to say: No official or politician should insist on one particular path or method. No human being is free from error; when a person makes a mistake, they must return from it. All people need consultation. Whoever considers himself independent and in no need of consultation makes the greatest mistake. One must consult with women, men, youth, and experts.
He added: It is a major mistake for a ruler to consult only with his friends and supporters; rather, he must also consult with critics and opponents. If the voices of critics had been heard, these developments would not have occurred.
🔹 “Internal Divisions” Are The Reason For The Military Mobilization Against Iran / The Overwhelming Majority Of Iranians Are Dissatisfied
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan noted: Today, Iran is under siege from several directions. If these divisions among the Iranian people had not occurred, this military mobilization would not have taken place. Internal divisions are the reason for this mobilization.
He emphasized: Warnings were repeatedly given: reconcile with the people, listen to the people, and think of the people’s interests. Today, the overwhelming majority of Iranians are dissatisfied and are facing problems that could have been solved easily. Why were problems that were easy to solve ignored until the situation reached this critical stage?!
🔹 Islam Opposes Extremism And The Shedding Of People’s Blood / If The Country Had Followed Islam’s Moderate Path And “Justice” And “Freedom” Had Been Implemented, Today’s Problems Would Not Have Occurred
Mawlana Abdolhamid, referring to the Conquest of Mecca and the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) forgiveness toward his enemies, described Islam as a “religion of moderation” and said: Islam is a religion of moderation and balance, and it opposes extremism, fanaticism, and the shedding of people’s blood. Therefore, my message to my dear compatriots is not to become pessimistic toward religion. Religion is what the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) and his Companions and the Ahl al-Bayt followed. If only people knew how much mercy and compassion there is in Islam.
He added: If the country had followed the moderate path of Islam and the Prophetic tradition, these problems would never have happened. If justice had been implemented, and if the freedoms promised in the early days of the Revolution had been realized, the country would not be facing these crises today. In the early days of the Revolution, there was talk of justice, development, and economic progress, and even free water and electricity for the nation—if only we had reached the fulfillment of those promises.
🔹 Only A “National Outlook” Works In Iran, Not An “Ethnic Or Sectarian Outlook”
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan described a “sectarian outlook” as the most important problem in governing the country and said: A sectarian and ethnic outlook cannot respond to a diverse nation such as Iran, and it has not worked. Future generations should also know that an “ethnic and sectarian outlook” will never work in this country; only a “national outlook” works. Perspectives must be inclusive, and the entire nation—ethnicities, sects, and religions—must be seen and taken into account.
🔹 Kidnappings Have Increased In The Province; The “Provincial Security Council” Bears Direct Responsibility
In the final part of his remarks during the Zahedan Friday prayer ceremony, Mawlana Abdolhamid strongly criticized the rise of kidnappings in the province and said: Unfortunately, kidnapping has increased in the province, especially in Zahedan. Children, young people, and elderly men have been taken hostage, and large sums of money have been demanded. There is no news about some of those who have been kidnapped. It is astonishing that the situation has reached this point.
He added: It appears that the officials who are responsible for ensuring security are not fulfilling their duties in this matter. The Provincial Security Council bears direct responsibility for providing security for the people and must establish security in the city, the province, and the country. The people must also cooperate in this regard, but the direct responsibility lies with the officials and the province’s Security Council.