The Government Should Grant Greater Authority to Pezeshkian’s Administration in Foreign Affairs
Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, speaking today (November 15, 2024) during Friday prayers in Zahedan, urged officials to employ “soft and wise language” and to “engage with the world through interaction and tolerance.” He stated, “The Iranian people cannot endure further sanctions; wise and prudent leadership can prevent the escalation of war and additional sanctions.” The Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan also expressed satisfaction with the political language of the current government and called for “greater authority to be granted to Pezeshkian’s administration in the field of foreign policy.”
The Most Harmful Words and Actions Are Those That Lead People Away from Faith
According to the Sunni Friday Prayer Office of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid began his remarks by emphasizing the need to avoid words and actions that cause “cynicism and alienation toward religion.” He stated, “The worst speech and behavior are those that are unjust and unfair, driving people away from Allah and leading them to disdain and mistrust the faith.” He referred to a Hadith in which two Companions led lengthy congregational prayers at dawn and evening, which provoked complaints from some worshippers. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, expressed unprecedented anger upon hearing this, and during a sermon, he remarked, “Some of you drive people away from religion.”
He continued, “It is crucial that our actions do not turn people away from religion, but rather draw them to Allah with proper conduct, respect, and love. True Islam is reflected in fair and just words and deeds. Speaking lies is the worst distortion and an unkind act.”
Scholars, Officials, and the Public Must Guard Their Words and Deeds
Causing Distrust Toward Religion Is the “Greatest Injustice” and an “Unforgivable Crime”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid advised, “Every Muslim’s words and actions have an impact. When an Iranian speaks or acts justly, it brings pride to all of us. But when one of our fellow citizens or someone dressed as we are commits an injustice, sets up barriers, takes hostages, kills, or acts unfairly, they commit the greatest wrong against us and harm us by contradicting Islamic and human ethics.”
He further explained, “If a person who identifies as a Muslim, and is present in the mosque and in prayer, conducts themselves well, it encourages positive perceptions of the faith. However, if their behavior is harmful, it alienates people from Islam, even if they pray at night and perform Hajj yearly. Therefore, all of us—scholars, officials, and the public—must be mindful of our words and actions so as not to instill aversion toward Islam, the Prophet, his Companions, and the Ahl al-Bayt. This is the greatest injustice and an unforgivable crime.”
The Increase in Suicide Rates in the Country
Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed concern over the “rising suicide rates” in the country, stating, “Unfortunately, we are witnessing a rise in suicide cases in our country. We must remember that Islam is a religion of mercy, and the Prophet of Islam is a prophet of compassion. Our conduct should not drive anyone to despair of religion or life, leading them to actions like suicide or other extreme acts.”
He added, “Although Islamic principles and rules are inherently just, we must apply them in a way that does not create resentment or aversion within society. We must avoid inciting hostility toward faith. Early in the revolution, a group of revolution supporters engaged in hijacking, which greatly upset the founder of the Islamic Republic, who expressed frustration over actions that stirred the sentiments of the global community against us.”
We Must Ensure Our Actions Do Not Arouse Global Sentiments Against Our Nation
Zahedan’s Friday prayer leader, Shaikh ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, expressed his astonishment at the apparent disregard some individuals show towards provoking international sentiment, stating, “I am profoundly surprised that certain individuals exhibit no concern about stirring the emotions of the global community. We must be vigilant that our words and actions do not provoke international organizations, human rights advocates, and the public’s sentiments against our nation, government, and country.”
He emphasized, “Allah the Almighty commanded Prophet Moses and Prophet Aaron, peace be upon them, to speak to Pharaoh with gentleness and wisdom. Today, we too must employ gentle and prudent language when addressing the ‘Pharaohs’ of our time. The Iranian nation has undertaken a revolution, yet this does not imply that we should engage in hostile and aggressive rhetoric or remain in constant conflict. Instead, it should inspire transformation in our moral character, conduct, economy, and livelihoods. The most profound revolution is, indeed, an ‘ethical revolution.’”
Sound Wisdom and Judicious Prudence Can Prevent Escalation of War and Additional Sanctions
Mawlana Abdol Hamid remarked, “Given the recent developments worldwide, we perceive an impending risk of more severe sanctions that may be imposed on our country. Therefore, our heartfelt recommendation to the officials is to act with prudence and realism, considering the actual circumstances rather than responding impulsively.”
He further stated, “The Iranian nation has moved beyond the ‘red line’ and can no longer bear further sanctions and hardships. Wise and prudent action can avert the threat of further war and sanctions.”
Empower Dr. Pezeshkian’s Administration with Greater Authority in Foreign Policy
Continuing his remarks, Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed satisfaction with the recent diplomatic language adopted by government officials in countering the agendas of those who seek to intensify sanctions against the Iranian people. He called for “greater authority to be granted to Dr. Pezeshkian’s administration in the realm of foreign policy so that it can address these challenges with necessary foresight, diplomacy, and tolerance.” He emphasized, “Our nation must adopt an approach of tolerance and cooperation with the global community, which is both a Quranic commandment and harmonious with Iranian culture and heritage.”
Western Nations and International Bodies Should Avoid Repeating “Past Errors”
In another part of his sermon, Mawlana Abdol Hamid identified “Israel’s occupation of Palestine” as the root cause of prolonged conflict in the Middle East and globally, stating, “Our recommendation to the global community is to refrain from repeating past mistakes. I unequivocally declare that Western nations and many international entities are pursuing an erroneous path. The hostilities and conflicts of the past seventy years in the Middle East, particularly the continued occupation and aggressions by Israel in Palestine and Gaza, are rooted in this misguided approach.”
He further elaborated, “A comprehensive and correct analysis would reveal that international terrorism and the current insecurity in the Middle East and other regions stem from the prolonged conflicts that have persisted for over seventy years in Palestine. The United States and various Middle Eastern nations have also borne heavy costs because they have failed to pursue the appropriate course.”
Ending Israel’s Occupation and Establishing an Independent Palestinian State as the Optimal Solution to Middle East Conflicts
Mawlana Abdol Hamid asserted, “The most constructive course of action for all parties, including the allies of Israel and the supporters of Palestine, is to press for an end to Israel’s occupation and aggressions so that Palestinians can establish an independent state. Europeans and Americans should exert pressure on Israel to restore the rights of the Palestinian people, and the global community must recognize the State of Palestine.”
He concluded, “This path would serve the interests of all nations and could secure peace in the Middle east and globally. Such an approach would also address the complaints surrounding ‘proxy forces,’ as these groups emerge from the existing conflicts; if the conflicts are resolved, there will no longer be any justification for these groups to exist.”
Safeguarding Security and Peace in Sistan-Baluchistan
Concluding his remarks, Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized the “imperative of maintaining security in Sistan-Baluchistan,” stating, “Regrettably, our province has recently witnessed episodes of insecurity and disturbances. I urge everyone to act responsibly to safeguard the peace and security of our province and region.”
He added, “Our province must be secure, and those with demands and grievances should pursue them through constructive dialogue. Everyone should focus on constructive criticism and strive for greater tranquility in our province. I emphatically urge all to preserve regional security and prevent any breaches of peace within our borders.”
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