Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, in today’s Friday prayer ceremony (September 20th, 2024) in Zahedan, highlighted “mercy and compassion” and “implementing justice” as some of the most important qualities of Prophet Muhammad in all areas, including governance. He emphasized the need to follow the blessed Sunnah of the Prophet .
The Prophet raised human beings
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid, on the occasion of the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal and the birth of Prophet Muhammad , touched on some aspects of the Prophet’s life. He said: “The Prophet raised individuals who were caught up in polytheism, idol-worship, and arrogance and transformed them into true human beings. The Prophet taught people humanity, freedom, independence, proper belief, and correct behavior and morals. Those who were nurtured in the Prophet’s school became exemplary individuals.”
He added: “In this era, where humanity claims to possess knowledge and expertise in various fields of industry and technology, has it succeeded in raising true human beings? How much have we, in our academic and religious institutions, managed to nurture individuals who can teach humanity ethics, freedom, and independence and practice these values themselves?”
The Prophet was a teacher of morality and an example of mercy and compassion
The Imam of Zahedan emphasized “mercy and compassion” as the most prominent qualities of the Prophet and said: “The Prophet was a teacher of morality. He taught those he raised to show mercy and compassion and advised them not to harm women, children, and the elderly in wars, and not to destroy the places of worship of other religions and nations.”
He continued: “Today, killing and bloodshed have become widespread in the world, and human beings are being massacred. The scenes of Gaza, and the war between Ukraine and Russia, are examples that show humanity is using bombs and destructive weapons without fear or hesitation. Most victims of these bombs and weapons are women, children, the elderly, and innocent, defenseless people. With these events and scenes seen today, humanity stands ashamed and humiliated.”
The Prophet and his Companions treated Prisoners Kindly, Never tortured or killed them
Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to how the Prophet treated war captives and said: “In the Battle of Badr, seventy polytheists were captured. Since the Prophet did not have a prison or place to keep the captives, he distributed them among his companions to be kept in their homes. The companions fed the captives from the same food they ate. There were two opinions among the Muslims regarding the fate of these captives; one group believed they should be killed because they might once again stand with the enemy and fight against the Muslims in the future. However, the Prophet and another group of companions believed that the captives should be freed, hoping that one day they would embrace Islam and abandon their enmity against God and the religion of Islam, and there were other benefits to releasing them.”
He mentioned an example of the positive effect of the Prophet’s kind treatment of captives and said: “Thumama, one of the leaders of the Arab tribes, was captured by the companions in one of the battles. He was tied to one of the pillars of the Prophet’s Mosque. The Prophet came to him, asked how he was, and what he expected. Thumama said, ‘If you kill me, you are killing an enemy, and you have the right. But if you set me free, you are releasing someone who knows how to appreciate kindness and favor.’ The Prophet ordered his release, and Thumama embraced Islam, leading many others to do the same.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: “In the life and conduct of the Prophet , there was no concept of execution. Even when some companions suggested killing the hypocrites, the Prophet did not accept this and said that these hypocrites, although not true believers, were outwardly part of the Muslim community. He added that if they were killed, people would say that Muhammad kills his own followers, which would damage the trust in him. Aside from carrying out legal punishments and retribution, the Prophet did not kill even a single person. The companions and the Rightly Guided Caliphs also treated prisoners with kindness, never beating or torturing them.”
Islam is the religion of Morality, Action, Mercy, and Forgiveness
During the time of the Prophet, No one was worried about their rights being violated
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further stated: “Islam is a religion of morality, action, mercy, and forgiveness. In the era of the Prophet and his companions, Islam spread through ethical behavior. Islam is a religion that detaches a person from attachment to materialism and the self, connecting them to Allah Almighty, and brings about selflessness and humanity.”
The Prophet and the rightly guided caliphs did not accumulate wealth for themselves
Mawlana Abdol Hamid continued by highlighting that the Prophet and the Rightly Guided Caliphs did not gather wealth for themselves. Instead, they fed others, bearing hunger and hardship themselves. He further stated that during the Prophet’s time, peace and justice prevailed, and no one worried about their rights being violated. The Prophet put an end to the discriminations that existed from the days of ignorance. With his prophethood, oppression and injustice were eliminated, and justice and fairness took over, bringing peace to all.
Commanding good and forbidding evil must not be insulting
Any action that causes people to view religion negatively is impermissible
The Imam of Zahedan added: “During the time of the Prophet , there was no narrow-mindedness or excessive severity. If someone committed a sin, they were not severely reprimanded or humiliated. Some people, in the name of enjoining good, actually promote evil and corruption, turning people away from religion. Any form of preaching, enjoining good, forbidding evil, or conduct that causes people to view religion negatively is impermissible and prohibited. Such calls do not lead to reform but rather to corruption.” Mawlana Abdol Hamid cited the Quranic verse: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:125), emphasizing that inviting people should be done with wisdom. He stressed that commanding good and forbidding evil must not be insulting but rather done compassionately, with kindness and wisdom, so that the other party understands the sincerity behind the call.
“Expanding Justice” is the best way to solve problems
Mawlana Abdol Hamid urged everyone to take the example of the Prophet and the Rightly Guided Caliphs in all areas. He said: “We have taken Islam from the Prophet and the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet is not limited to acts of worship like prayer, Hajj, and fasting, but also includes his patience, tolerance, kindness, governance, and the governance of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, which was based on the Prophet’s methods. We must follow these as well.” He emphasized the importance of “expanding justice” as the best way to solve problems and eliminate inequalities. He said: “Implementing justice and using wisdom and foresight can solve all of the world’s problems and challenges. Not every problem should be addressed with violence or extreme measures; rather, issues should be solved with wisdom and careful treatment.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan further stated: “The most important task is serving the people and winning their hearts. This can be achieved through good character, patience, forgiveness, expanding justice and fairness, respecting the people, and granting them freedom.”
Executions are troubling the people
Mawlana Abdol Hamid also criticized the increasing number of executions in the country, stating: “Executions in the country are troubling the people. If the executions are for retribution and implementing the legal punishments, that is different, but executions for other issues such as political matters or drug-related crimes are not beneficial. These executions have left many women without husbands, children without fathers, and families grieving. They have also led to negative propaganda against our country.”
Do not politicize religious and sectarian issues
“Mercy” and “addressing people’s demands” will succeed—trust it
Mawlana Abdol Hamid advised the authorities: “Do not politicize religious and sectarian issues. When matters become politicized, they become more complex. Address religious and sectarian issues with encouragement, wisdom, and sound judgment. If, instead of insults and physical confrontations, wisdom and justice are employed, and economic problems and discrimination are addressed, while combating financial corruption and bribery, then the problems will be resolved, and society will move towards unity.”
He added: “Experience mercy, kindness, and listening to the people and addressing their demands, and trust that this approach will succeed. We pray for the officials who strive to eliminate discrimination and expand justice.”
Explosions in Lebanon are “100% terrorist” and “condemnable”
The international community must stop Israel’s oppression
In the final part of his sermon, Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to the continued atrocities of Israel in Gaza, stating: “The number of martyrs in Gaza has exceeded 41,000. Both Palestinians and Jews who have been killed are human beings. Where is the world’s mercy? Where are the leaders of America, Europe, and Western politicians? Why don’t they resolve the Palestinian issue so the Palestinians can gain their independence and the matter can be concluded? How far will the oppressive hand of Israel be allowed to go? The oppressor and aggressor must be stopped.”
He also referred to the explosion of communication devices in Lebanon, saying: “The recent incident in Lebanon, where the explosion of communication devices led to the death and injury of many people, is an event that is undoubtedly an act of terrorism and is fully condemned. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility for this incident, everyone knows, and the finger of blame is pointing towards Israel.”
He emphasized: “The international community, human rights organizations, and all those who think about humanity must put an end to this oppression and resolve the issue of Palestine in a just manner that does not violate the rights of either side. Anyone who refuses to accept a fair resolution should be brought to justice and forced to accept it. I wish that resolving this issue was in the hands of the people.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan further stated: “Future generations will blame and criticize the Americans, Europeans, international communities, the United Nations, and the leaders of both Islamic and non-Islamic countries who have the power to resolve this issue but fail to do so.”
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