During the Friday prayer of Sunni Muslims of Zahedan on June 7, 2024, coinciding with the registration period for the 14th presidential election, Sheikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid posed questions about the authorities of the president and the responsibilities of candidates. He also urged on making the opportunity of the first ten days of the last Islamic month, Dhul-Hijjah in another part of his sermon.
The Friday Imam of Zahedan stated: “What have these esteemed individuals who have entered the arena thought about how they can improve the economy? Can they implement equality? If they cannot, they should think about this before being approved or disqualified.”
According to the website of the Office of the Friday Imam of Sunni Muslims of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: “You see in the media that a large number of people have registered for the presidency. Are these esteemed individuals aware of the country’s current situation? Do they have a plan to address these problems? Anyone who wants to accept a responsibility must consider how much they have thought about that responsibility.”
Regarding the current state of the country, he stated: “The country is facing its greatest crisis, which is the financial and economic corruption crisis. In the history of Iran, we have never seen the Iranian people face such problems and their currency lose its value to such an extent, becoming one of the most worthless currencies in the world. With the vast resources at the disposal of the Iranian people, which the whole world needs and depends on, why should this be the case?! This country is one of the exceptional countries in the world. The currencies of all poor countries are more valuable than ours. The thirteenth government and previous governments have also failed to control inflation and have been unable to do anything. Despite promising to improve the livelihood and economy of the people during the election period, they have been unable to do anything. Bankruptcies and suicides have increased significantly in Iran. When poverty comes, it brings corruption with it. The source of a large part of corruption is poverty and lack of piety.”
The President Does Not Have Sufficient Authority to Ensure Freedom and Justice
Addressing the expectations of the Iranian people, the Friday Imam of Sunni Muslims of Zahedan stated: “Does someone aspiring to become the president have a plan and the ability to deliver on it? Or will they make promises, like their predecessors, and fail to act? The Iranian people are aggrieved by discrimination. Can someone seeking such a weighty responsibility eliminate discrimination from their lives? Have they been granted the authority to make a difference?”
He stated: “The future president must understand the aspirations of the Iranian people. They are not beholden to any external power, and their protests have stemmed from genuine grievances, not defiance. They yearn for freedom. Has the prospective president considered how much freedom they can provide, how they can uphold justice, and how they can eliminate discrimination between men and women, as well as ethnic and religious disparities? Can this president prioritize meritocracy and appoint qualified individuals from within and outside the country, from diverse ethnicities and faiths, and from both genders, based on their merits? We have witnessed a severe lack of meritocracy in Iran, and an incompetent group has been in power.”
He added: “If I were in their shoes, I would never step forward and accept the position. Firstly, it is not my vocation. I am a religious scholar. My calling is teaching, not the presidency. But even if I possessed all the necessary qualifications, I would not accept the position under circumstances where I could not fulfill my commitments, even if the entire world were offered to me. What have these esteemed individuals who have entered the arena thought about how to improve the economy? Can they implement equality? If they cannot, they should think about it before they are approved or disqualified.”
Public Disillusionment with Elections: A Call for Effective Leadership
The People Believe that Nothing Can Be Done by Those Who Have Registered
Addressing the public’s waning trust in the electoral process, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: “Unfortunately, the people have lost hope and believe that none of those who have registered can make a difference, as their predecessors have failed to deliver. In previous administrations, we voted for reformists, and while we do not claim they did nothing, they were unable to eliminate discrimination between men and women, or among ethnicities and religions. They were unable to implement the promises they made during their campaigns. They failed to utilize competent individuals. These matters are controlled from elsewhere, and the president is powerless.”
He continued: “I remember that in the 12th government, I went to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and said: ‘You have 180 embassies and consulates in the world; appoint 10 ambassadors from Sunni Muslims and let the other 170 ambassadors be the same Shiites you have appointed.’ He said: ‘We consulted with the president and we will appoint five ambassadors. Give us a list.’ We gave a list, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that we do not have all the authority and we are one side of the issue, if the other parties approve this list, we can, otherwise we cannot do anything.’ We appealed for at least five appointments, but ultimately, only one existing Sunni ambassador was retained, and another was appointed, who was later removed.”
In the Past, We Have Not Seen Any Determination to Solve National and Religious Problems Whoever We Voted For
If the Future President Cannot Solve the Problems, It Is Just a Repetition of the Past
Addressing the Sunni community’s support for a conservative candidate in the previous election, The Friday Imam of Sunni Muslims of Zahedan, clarified: “In this administration as well, we did not cast our votes lightly. We declared that we would not cast a ‘reward’ vote for anyone. The then-governor of the province informed me that Shia brothers here vote for reward. We responded that we have problems and do not vote for reward; we pray and fast for reward. We cast our votes for someone who can solve our problems.”
He added: “In the past, we have voted for candidates from both reformist and conservative factions, seeking their commitment to addressing discrimination, national, and religious issues. However, we have witnessed a lack of resolve and a realization that they were incapable of delivering on their promises. In the most recent election, the conservatives urged us to switch our allegiance and vote for them to see what they could achieve. They made commitments regarding national issues, which hold paramount importance for us. We prioritize addressing the concerns of the entire Iranian nation rather than focusing solely on local or religious matters. Despite these assurances, no tangible progress has been made, and we have not witnessed any success in addressing national interests, particularly in the realm of economy and livelihood. This is our perspective. We have gained nothing from these promises but the very problems we sought to resolve.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid asserted: “If the future president cannot resolve the nation’s problems, it will be merely a repetition of the past. It is crucial for the president to possess the authority and capacity to implement meaningful changes that will garner public satisfaction. Regardless of who assumes the reins of power, the nation will remain discontent until the currency regains its value. If the Iranian Rial held its worth, we would not be witnessing protests by workers, teachers, and retirees today. A comprehensive review of domestic and foreign policies is imperative. The country’s current trajectory will lead us down a perilous path. Numerous prominent experts have fled the nation. The priority lies in the well-being of the people and the nation. The country demands a president who will sever all ties between vested interests and national resources, ensuring that the nation reaps the full benefits of its assets. Without achieving these objectives, the president’s tenure will be deemed unsuccessful.”
We Recommend that Political Prisoners Should Not Remain in Prison
The Death Sentence of Mamousta Khedrnejad Should Be “Reviewed”
In the concluding remarks of his Friday prayer sermon in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the confirmed death sentence for Mamousta Muhammad Khedrnejad, a prominent and righteous cleric from Kurdistan. He stated: “Grievous news has reached us that Mamousta Muhammad Khedrnejad, a distinguished and virtuous cleric from Kurdistan, has been sentenced to death. We are deeply saddened that a pious and righteous scholar faces the death penalty. We sincerely hope that this decision will be reconsidered. We and the people of Kurdistan have nothing but good things to say about this scholar.”
Emphasizing the shared desire for the release of all imprisoned scholars, Mawlana Abdol Hamid urged: “It is the expectation of all people that the means be provided for the release of all imprisoned scholars. We benevolently and wholeheartedly recommend that political prisoners not remain incarcerated. They are beneficial to the country’s well-being and progress.”
Let’s Make the Most of the Opportunities of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah
In the first part of his Friday sermon in Zahedan (June 7, 2024), Sheikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized the importance of “making the most of the opportunities of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah” to strengthen one’s devotion and servitude to Allah.
According to the website of the Office of the Friday Imam of Zahedan, Sheikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, after reciting the opening verses of the blessed Surah Al-Fajr, stated: “Allah, the Exalted, has granted humanity exceptional opportunities to rectify their shortcomings and spiritual deficiencies. He has designated specific times for increased devotion and spiritual reflection, such as the blessed month of Ramadan, the last ten days of Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr, and Eid nights. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, known as ‘Layalul Ashr,’ which Allah swears by in the Quran, is another of these exceptional periods and special times.”
The Friday Imam of Sunni Muslims of Zahedan announced: “Since the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah was not sighted yesterday evening (Thursday), tonight (Friday evening) will be the first night of the month of Dhul Hijjah. It is befitting for all of us to seize this opportunity and seek forgiveness for our past mistakes. Allah has placed great value on these days and expects people to increase their devotion and acts of worship during this time.”
“Sacrifice, Fasting, and Helping the Needy Hold Particular Virtues during These Days”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: “Worship, fasting, sacrifice, and helping the needy hold particular virtues during these days. Fasting each day of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is equivalent to fasting a whole year, and fasting on the Day of Arafah is rewarded as fasting two years. Good deeds performed during these days are considered the best of all deeds, even surpassing jihad in the path of Allah.”
He mentioned: “One of the best worships during these days is the sacrifice performed on Eid al-Adha. This is an exceptional and unique practice following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The act of sacrifice is specifically prescribed for the Eid days and is performed on the Eid and the two days following it. Let us all make use of this exceptional opportunity.”
The director of Darululoom Zahedan added: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah is another recommended act of worship during this time. Everyone should strive to fast the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, and if unable to do so, at least fast on the Day of Arafah. These days should be filled with acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and repentance. Fasting on Arafah is specifically recommended for those who are not going for Hajj. Of course, it is better for the pilgrims not to fast on this day and to focus on supplications and the specific rituals of Hajj.”
Worship of Allah: The Ultimate Purpose of Human Creation
Continuing his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid identified “worship of Allah” as the main goal and philosophy behind human creation. He said: “Allah, the Exalted, has created humanity for a grand purpose and has provided for all their needs in this world so that humans can fulfill those goals with ease and a clear mind. All creatures have been created to benefit humanity, and humans have been created for the worship of Allah. This purpose, which is servitude to Allah, recognizing His unique essence, and obeying His divine commands, is a very sacred and great purpose.”
He further elaborated: “Faith and correct belief in Allah, love for the Lord, acknowledging the various blessings of Allah, and exclusive devotion to Him are the highest forms of worship. Worship is when a person obeys Allah with their heart and limbs, shows compassion to Allah’s creation, remembers Allah with kindness, love, and respect, and performs the prayers, fasting, zakat, Hajj, and other acts of worship that the religion has guided us towards.”
“Respecting the Rights of People is Among the Greatest Acts of Worship”
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan further stated: “Respecting the rights of people, and looking after the weak, the orphaned, the unattended, and all the needy groups in society, is among the greatest acts of worship. Servitude to Allah the Exalted is accomplished not only through prayers, fasting, Hajj, remembrance, and supplication, but also by showing mercy to His servants and creations. Allah the Exalted will grant Paradise to a person for giving water to a thirsty dog, and He may send a person to Hell for oppressing a cat.”
He further emphasized: “Those who inflict harm upon others, torture them, squander their inheritance and rights, and show no mercy towards Allah’s servants – if they do not repent for their actions and seek to make amends – then Allah will not have mercy on them either, even if they perform night prayers or participate in the Hajj annually.”
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stated: “The one who exhibits greater compassion towards others, who shows mercy to humanity, maintains kinship ties, visits the sick, accompanies funerals, and extends kindness to nature and the environment for the sake of Allah’s creation – such a person is more deserving of mercy and compassion. The one who engages in theft, robbery, extortion, and who is a murderer and an oppressor, is deeply despised by Allah the Exalted. Allah detests the arrogant, the vengeful, and the miserly. These sins are contrary to the purpose of human creation and go against the will of Allah.”
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