Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, on Wednesday evening (December 3rd, 2025), emphasized the importance of considering both the principles of Sharia and the requirements of the modern age when issuing rulings and addressing newly emerging jurisprudential issues. He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 26th Meeting of the Sunni Islamic Fiqh Council of Iran.
According to the website of the Office of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid first referred to the objectives of convening fiqh gatherings, stating that such meetings are among the best acts of worship and serve the purpose of addressing people’s needs. He expressed his joy that scholars from across the country had submitted papers to the Council’s Secretariat, participated in the meeting, and devoted their time. He prayed that Allah bestow His special blessings, mercy, and pleasure upon all participants, guide them, and show them the truth.
He then highlighted the conditions and needs of the contemporary era, stating:
“We now live in a new era with new needs. Progress has been made, and we must prepare ourselves for these new conditions. Our students must be prepared for these realities and the terminology required by them. We must learn the ‘language of the people’, because the words, customs, and norms of this age and its nations are essentially that language. We must stay up-to-date and move with the times, and prepare our students and graduates for the modern era. Students and scholars must learn Arabic, English, and the language of the people. The Prophet instructed his Companions to learn the languages of nations, and those who mastered them were sent to those same peoples.”
The head of the Sunni Islamic Fiqh Council of Iran further stressed the necessity of adapting Islamic rulings while observing the principles of Sharia and the needs of the modern age:
“Islam is a guidance for all time and a solution to society’s needs until the Day of Judgment. Therefore, our rulings must be aligned with the principles of Sharia and the requirements of the modern age. We must solve problems through Sharia—proposing ideas, offering guidance, and giving practical solutions—so that people do not become confused or imagine that Islam cannot address their needs or that it obstructs progress.”
He added:
“Scholars must dedicate time, endure hardships, exert effort—just as the hadith scholars, jurists, and predecessors did—examining details and offering solutions so that people do not remain disoriented. We must move in harmony with the conditions of the present age. The internet and modern tools are blessings. Today, libraries, fatwa resources, and references are easily accessible, and research has become simpler. We must make proper use of these tools.”
🔹 Purifying the People and Reforming Society Are Also Among the Duties of Scholars
Mawlana Abdolhamid then discussed the broader responsibilities of scholars, stating:
“The duty of scholars is not limited to solving jurisprudential issues. Purification of the people, reciting the Qur’an, and teaching the Book and wisdom—which were the missions of the Prophet —are also among the duties of scholars. They must live among the people, stay connected to them, and reform society through calling towards Allah, wise counsel, and religious nurturing.”
He continued:
“We must help people in both their religious and worldly affairs, and advise them to resolve problems and uphold rights as much as possible. Allah’s accompaniment and support come when we uphold piety and patience; piety and patience are keys to victory.”
In conclusion, Mawlana Abdolhamid urged scholars to remain patient in the face of harm and adversity:
“In the face of annoyance, harm, and accusations, we must be patient and continue on Allah’s path. Through obligatory and voluntary prayers, remembrance, and night prayers, we must establish a strong connection with Allah. Obligatory and voluntary acts of worship greatly strengthen our relationship with God. Personal devotions deepen this bond. We must seek Allah’s help and support, for without His aid, our work cannot progress and success cannot be achieved.”