Addressing the Friday prayer gathering in Zahedan on March 13, 2026, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid expressed deep sorrow over the human and financial losses incurred in the war between the United States and Israel against Iran.
He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and advised all parties to act with wisdom and intellect rather than emotion.
The most influential Iranian Sunni leader stated that the best solution is for the Iranian people to listen to each other. “If only the authorities would pay attention to the advice of experts, the path for foreign intervention could be blocked.”
He also called on Iran and its neighboring countries to tolerate each other in these circumstances for the sake of their historical relations and common interests.
Iran is an Important Country in the Region and Has Great Potential for Development
According to the office of the Friday Imam of Sunnis in Zahedan, Iran, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said: Our country is currently going through very difficult tests. Iran is an important and central country in the region, whose benefits reach its neighbors and many other nations.
He further added that Iran possesses immense capabilities and great assets, and the world’s eyes are on these resources. However, the Iranian people are the primary beneficiaries of these resources; because all these resources are national property and belong to the nation whose ancestors sacrificed their lives and endured hardships for the defense of the country.
Those Killed in this War are Citizens of Iran, and the Destroyed Assets are National Capital
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid further stated that for the past few years, there have been some disagreements in the country, and the majority of the people are demanding change. It is a common practice worldwide to amend laws according to new generations and changing circumstances. The Holy Quran also states that Allah holds good in the abrogation of previous commandments and the revelation of new ones.
He made it clear: The incident that occurred in January (the bloody suppression of Iranian protesters) was very painful. Many dear ones of Iran were killed, and after that, a war against the country began, resulting in significant human and financial losses. Many of our compatriots lost their lives in this war, and a large amount of capital was wasted.
Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: The people being killed in the ongoing war are Iranians, and the properties being destroyed were national assets built with public funds. I offer my condolences to the families of all the victims. Wherever in the world, whether it is Gaza, Palestine, or Ukraine, wherever human beings are killed, especially the oppressed, it is regrettable.
If the Authorities Had Listened to the People, no Power Could Have Waged War Against us
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid clarified: I had previously advised that if the public and the authorities listened to each other and resolved issues through dialogue, no power could have waged war against us. If only the authorities had heard the people’s cry, the matter would not have escalated to foreign intervention. In such situations, enemies try to take advantage.
He further added: I still believe that the authorities should find solutions, and the best solution lies within the country. The Iranian people themselves should sit together and listen to each other. Let’s use reason instead of emotion so that we can overcome these problems and the country can progress towards a bright future, embarking on the path of justice, freedom, and righteousness.
Release Political Prisoners and Listen to Them and Other Experts
In another part of his weekly speech, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid emphasized the need for the release of political prisoners and paying attention to their advice.
He said: I have repeatedly said, release political prisoners and do not imprison critics or experts. Sit with women, men, scholars, and intellectuals and listen to them. Either convince them or accept their views.
The outspoken Sunni scholar cited the example of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him), stating that when the king released him from prison and gave him responsibility, he saved the people from famine.
“My advice is to release political prisoners and talk to them so that they can find a solution to stop the war. War is not a good thing; peace is better. The Quran also says that reconciliation is better.”
Iran and its Neighboring Countries Have Historical Relations; Take Care of Each Other
Finally, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid mentioned the relations between Iran and its neighboring countries, stating that there are historical ties and common interests between these countries.
He said: My advice is that these countries should show consideration for each other and live together.