Deep Reformations, Negotiations Solutions to Ongoing Crises

The most influential Iranian Sunni leader alluded to the ongoing crises of the country and urged on “deep reformations” and “negotiations even with number one enemies”. He was talking in the iftar party of president Rouhani with Sunni intellectuals on Monday 13th May, 2019.
The official website of Shaikh Abdol-Hamid, Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan and president of Darululoom Zahedan, reported that he had said: “Our country is under pressure and we comprehend the conditions. I think we have to carry out two acts in order to get rid of these problems.”
“First of all, the country needs deep and profound reformations in some policies. Then displeased and heart-broken people will reach to their demands and once again they will join us. We need unity and empathy strongly,” Maulana Abdol-Hamid said in the presence of Iranian president, some members of his cabinet and dozens of Sunni elites and intellectuals.
He pointed out to the second solution and said: “We believe in dialogue and negotiation, even negotiation with our number one enemies. Negotiation itself is legitimate in Islam as the prophet Mohammad PBUH negotiated with his strongest and worst enemies – pagans of Makkah. He supported every meeting which ends up with peace agreement.”
“So we should not close the door of negotiation, in addition to defending our due rights, we should talk and negotiate with our enemies,” Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said.

All Iranians’ rights should be observed
In another part of his speech in the iftar party of Iranian president, Maulana Abdol-Hamid said: “Different religions and ethnic and religious sects live in Iran and “Iran” is the name of these religions and sects.”
He added more: “The Iranian ethnic and religious communities should enjoy their due and legal rights and justice, then unity and empathy can be achieved. All of them should have equal share in administration of the country. By unity we can overcome on the crises and they will be with the state and ruling system.”
“Iranian Sunnis have been supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran and they believe in avoiding from extremes. But they have some problems. If Sunnis get their two major demands, I ensure the officials of the ruling system that the Sunni community will be in service of the Islamic Republic of Iran wholeheartedly and they will support the state,” he underlined.
Shaikh Abdol-Hamid made it clear: “The first major demand of the Sunni community is “proving more religious freedom” and the second one is “engaging capable members of Sunnis along with all communities without any discrimination and difference. Participation of ethnic and religious communities guarantees durable unity and national peace.”
“There should not be any difference between Shias and Sunnis. The option of religious sect [Shia or Sunni] in employment forms should be removed in order to pave the way for all justly,” he said.
Khateeb of Sunnis said: “Iranian Sunnis should have more religious freedom to offer prayers freely without any obstacle and hesitation. In many cities Sunnis need mosques and they should be permitted to build mosques. If they have prayer-houses, they should be free to establish prayers over there.”
The most influential Iranian Sunni scholar addressed president Rouhani and said: “Mr. President! Focusing and following those two demands of the Sunni community presented before you are in favor of the Islamic Republic of Iran and national unity. It influences strongly unity of the Ummah and in the case of Shia communities’ rights where they are in minority. So we hope you will carry out any solution in this regard.”