‘Religious freedom, equality and respect for the sanctities, our top demands’

The Eminent Shaikh Abdul Hameed, khateeb of Sunnis has said that our responsibility over the world has become more important than any other time. He was delivering his sermon at the end of 20th annual ceremony of Darululoom Zahedan’s graduates on Thursday, 30 June 2011.
Talking to about one hundred and fifty thousand participants from various provinces and cities of Iran in Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdul Hameed urged that every one should think that what he did to revive Sunnah and Sharia in his life? What should be the role by which our holy prophet (peace be upon him) will greet us at the day of Resurrection and he will welcome and congratulate us? What are the deeds that we have done for this great religion?

He expressed his honorable views at the great occasion of annual ceremony which was conducted in the honor of graduates of the biggest seminary of Sunnis in Iran, Darululoom Zahedan.

He added: ‘Batil (enemies of Allah’s way) has utilized its all powers to attack on Islam; satellite channels and Internet websites have been striving seriously to sabotage this religion and the instructions given by Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). They always try to defame the name of Islam, our enemies including some Muslims have gathered to attack Islam religion. The parties that have narrow mind and call for “my party and my sect”, defaming Islam as well; they have forgotten that the Muslim nation is a borderless nation, they must think globally for the benefits of all Muslims belong to different languages, sects and groups. We have to go back towards our religion; we should seek, strive and adopt all the bright teachings of Islam; after that Allah Almighty would change our days that are affected by some bad deeds.’

The eminent Sunni leader continued referring to the multiplicity of races and sects in Iran, ‘They have great opportunities to get together for advancement and progress of the country, and “Islam” combines these diverse races before the national fellowship. Such different Muslim strains must love one another and never hates each other. When this country comes under attack or any other difficulty affects it, every body, Sunnis and Shiites would be threatened. It must be kept in mind that as we are proud of our religion, we are proud to be Iranian as well; we always immediate for our country’s progress in industry and technology, we must think for its unity as well which is the cornerstone of national development and plays an important role in the prosperity of any country.’  

Shaikh Abdul Hameed ruled out the presence of separatism in the Sunni areas of the country and added, ‘Sunnis in Iran are not separatists, rather they had a big role in the unity and fraternity of the Iranian nation, we have not sold our selves to the enemies of Islam and the country; -God willing- none can buy us for some this mortal things.’

The rector of Darululoom Zahedan went on pointing out that Sunnis of Iran expect the Iranian rulers to ensure what the Iranian Constitution provides them especially their religious rights, saying, ‘I do not want to criticize in this gathering, but there are some aspirations from the Iranian real rulers:

1- Religious Freedom: the most important demand of Sunnis is to preserve their freedom in religious affairs which is stated by the country’s constitution, freedom of offering prayers in congregation in mega cities, building mosques, and preaching activities of Tablighi Jama’at. No one should impose any restrictions.

2- Equality in all departments: as we (Sunnis & Shiites) are brothers in citizenship and religion, it must be promoted in equality; the government should provide Sunnis opportunities to work in different departments and government offices. The Sunnis would provide their services for their country, as they have sacrificed a lot for the nation in the western border during Iran-Iraq war; they want to sacrifice for the country’s sovereignty in the eastern border too. In the same way, Sunnis hope that there should not be discrimination against Sunnis in recruitment in armed forces.

He stressed that the Sunnis in Iran did not betray their country, saying that Sunnis did not accompany opponents of the regime at all, they did not extend a helping hand to any foreign entity, we strongly avoid what jeopardize national unity and security, and we ask the solution of problems by legal channels.

3- Largeness of mind: pointing out towards the obstacles placed in front of some guests to restrain them from participation in this honorable gathering the prominent Shaikh said that the related officials should make it possible for Sunnis from other provinces to attend this spiritual ceremony.

He said more, ‘We believe that this meeting is for the benefit of the unity. We strive to serve the whole nation, not a particular community; we hope to see more broad-mindness.

The key leader of Sunnis emphasize saying, ‘We never disrespect the Shiite holy sites and personalities, as the most sacred personalities & places are sacred ones for Sunnis also. And we want Shiites to preserve the sanctity of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his wives, mothers of the believers.

Shaikh Abdul Hameed thanked the audience, especially scholars, students, academicians and members of the parliament for their fervent presence in the 20th ceremony of Darululoom Zahedan’s graduates.