Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdul Hameed Ismaeelzahi, talked about the importance of unification in the second part of his sermon in the Grand Makki mosque of Zahedan saying that “unity” is one of the greatest consequences of the Prophet Muhammad’s prophecy, peace & blessings be upon him.
He went on to say, ‘Since the initial years of the 1979’s Revolution, the days of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s birth were entitled “Islamic Unity Week.” We, also, believe that unity is essential and it is the need of human beings. All people are our siblings, some of them ”siblings-in-humanity” and Muslims are ”siblings-in-faith.”’
The most leading Islamic scholar of the Sunni community in Iran pointed that in some cases Islamic brotherhood and solidarity dominate blood-relations. Because, if any real-brother is bad in faith and moral, so he is faraway from his real good Muslim siblings.
Shaikh Ismaeelzahi emphasized saying that all Muslim parties, sects, communities and movements need to be united respecting each other whenever they are. Without unification they will not be strong and vigorous. They must not try to vilify their opponents. Still, Muslims’ enemies strive to create sectarian clashes and weaken them by this way. Fighting on the bases of faith-differences is the worst strife.
The rector of Darululoom Zahedan continued his points saying, ‘Fraternity and unification are very important to be practiced. Ahl-us-Sunnah of Sistan-Baluchistan wants unity and peaceful living unanimously. Sunnis believe that unity and brotherhood just in slogans are useless and meaningless; rather unity must be proved by practice and deeds. In factual unity, we will not blame each other; defaming and efforts to vilify others will be over. Unity-seekers never ask their compatriots about their sect and will not implement discriminative laws for any particular sect or race.’
Indicating towards the causes of unity between Shias and Sunnis, he stated that these two sects have lots of things in common to be factors for unity and fraternity, although they have some different ideas and views; everyone is responsible of his beliefs before Allah Almighty. The proof of Allah, Holy Qur’an, has been proved for all and judgment of mistake and correct is up to Him.
Revolution can remain safe by complete implementation of Constitution:
Shaikh Ismaeelzahi pointed out to the anniversary of the 1979’s revolution (22 Bahman, Feb. 11) saying that the Islamic Revolution was a divine blessing; the nation had got a political and social awakening as people revolted collapsing one of the despots of that era. No doubt, the entire Iranian nation did not take to streets for the sake of Islam; many of people rebelled against tyranny and dictatorship, then they voted Islamic regime after the success of the Revolution in order to get dignity and a respectful life. ‘So we did not cast our votes for any president or candidate of parliament to get reward and remuneration, people do not vote for rewards,’ he pointed.
The most influential Sunni leader further said that the 1979’s revolution succeeded with the unity and fraternity of the nation and this unity has a great impact on achieving the goals of the revolution and its survival. The national unity will be at stake and serious danger if the constitution is not implemented completely. Although, some articles need to be modified and reviewed, but the constitution ensures freedoms for parties and sects.
Advices for Shia clerics:
Advising Shia clerics and the Iranian rulers sincerely to revise their stances and policies, Shaikh Abdul Hameed said, ‘We advise the rulers and officials to execute all parts of the constitution and avoid partiality and adopting personal tact. None of governments have opted any Sunni minister in the country where Sunni citizens constitute more than 20% of the population. The regime could be an ideal and example for other nations, but it did not try to do so.’
He added more saying that it is amazing that Sunnis populate more than 40% of “Sistan’s” population; but till now none of officials appointed any Sunni as the head or deputy of any department and we have not seen any Sunni representative in the parliament belonging to Sistan region. As well as in Khorasan region, the officials have been denying to appoint any Sunni graduate and capable person in Sunni-dominated cities for high posts. The officials must listen to the voice of nation before it is late! Sunnis of Iran love their country and they are not opponents of the regime and national unity.
Underlining independence of Sunni seminaries and mosques, Shaikh stated, ‘The Sunni community hopes that their religious centers will remain independent. My sincere advice to Shia clerics and the power-holders is that they should review their some stances and policies; they must try to conquer hearts by widening their sights and listening to opponents and opposition parties. At least they should listen what sympathetic persons say, if they can not give time to their opponents.’
Our method is fraternity and reformation:
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah, suggesting to protest of Khash’s scholars and tribal elders, went on saying, ‘I am very thankful to scholars and chiefs of tribes of Khash for protesting the sectarian words of a security official in a meeting in the same city who blamed us for sectarian activities and deviltry.’
He emphasized, ‘Our method is clear for all; we only want unity and purification believing that the regime and the status quo need some changes and reforms. We are not destroyers and factionalists. We think reformation is the duty of knowledgeable class in each time. In such meetings, entitled Enlightment, clear-sighted personalities of the both sides should take part not factionalist elements who incite sectarian.’
At the end, Shaikh Ismaeelzahi thanked Sunni MPs over demanding modification of the constitutional article that prevents Sunnis to be nominated in presidential elections. He said that the Sunni MPs had realized their responsibility in this regard as they wrote a letter to the Supreme Leader asking him to modify an article of the national constitution that confines nomination of presidential post for the Shia community of Iran.