The outstanding Sunni leader, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdul Hameed Ismaeelzahi, put the upcoming Majlis (parliament) election different from the previous ones in his latest Friday speech in the Grand Makki mosque of Zahedan, Iran.
Explaining the details, he said, ‘A huge part of people and political wings will not take part in the election of March 2, next month. They have objections on the ongoing situation of the country. They were afraid of their candidates’ disapproval by the Guardian Council. The other sides have started the electoral campaign preparations; some eligible and strong persons are present.’
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah in Zahedan added more saying that the Guardian Council – Iran’s election watchdog – must not constrict the circle of capable candidates’ approval. So that intellectual, independent and eligible people would form the new parliament.
He stated, ‘The house of nation (Majlis) should be a place for thoughtful members. Holding master’s degrees and doctorate should not be the only factor to approve eligibility of registrants for candidacy. Candidates, besides degrees, must be approved on the basis of their capability and proficiency; lawmakers have an important role in making such laws which lead the country on the correct path and save the nation from crises.’
The most influential leader of the Sunni community in Iran pointed, ‘Constriction of the circle of registrants’ approvals decreases the number of voters; such moves desperate people over participation in the election. Evidences prove that the Guardian Council rejected the eligibility of many capable and well-qualified persons. The body should reconsider its decisions.’
‘I will not support any candidates inside or outside of the province (Sistan-Baluchistan) in the upcoming term of Majlis election. People would decide whom they should support and cost vote in the poll.’ Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah stated.
He added more saying that he prefers to not remain silent over porrect rejection of eligible candidates by the Guardian Council. He urged that these points are told sincerely for the sake of both nation and regime.
The rector of Darululoom Zahedan, the largest Sunni seminary of Iran’s Sunnis, went on to say, ‘I and other Friday Khotabaa including members of the Guardian Council should not think that only we perceive political issues and others are ignorant. Now-a-days, the Iranian nation knows well such affairs, they are enough smart and vigilant. Rejection of popular dignitaries, tactful and philanthropic registrants disappoints people. The Supreme Leader has recommended the Guardian Council to dilate the number of approved registrants; apparently, the GC has neglected the notification of Ayatollah Khamenehi.’
Official should notice misbehavior of some personnel with Afghan refugees
Indicating to a letter sent by some residents of Zahedan’s suburb, Shaikh Ismaeelzahi said, ‘We do not blame the provincial officials of bigotry; but some personnel of security forces misbehave people when they want to repatriate Afghan refugees. Even they created problems for the Iranian citizens who hold valid papers and cards; many of them were deported to Afghanistan’s borders.’
He added more that the officials launch crackdown operations on the bases of wrong reports of spies and catchpolls; spies take money from both people and the security officials. They used to mark people ‘having connection with Al-Qaeda’, then ‘Jondullah’ and ‘smuggling’ previously. Now, declaring people’s nationality ‘suspected’ and fraud has become common. Some sinister people report to security stations that there is an Afghan family holds Iranian cards just due to personal disputes.
‘The pertinent officials should be very vigilant over the matter; people must not be victims of false spying because of others’ malice and animosity. We request due officials and the Security Council of Zahedan to give priority to this case,’ he underlined.
Shaikh Abdul Hameed further said that if the officials are sure to repatriate Afghan refugees and that is in accordance with regulations, then they must behave gently. They must not insult Afghans; they are guests of people, their honor must not be trampled. An alone Afghan woman was repatriated without accompanying of any family member! It is not a suitable act.
Bearded men interrogated at some checkpoints of Zahedan’s entrances
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah criticized the security personnel over teasing and needless interrogation of bearded men at some check posts.
‘We live in an Islamic state that has a regime based on Islamic revolution; the Supreme Leader has beard and all Islamic scholars are bearded, having beard is the Sunnah of beloved holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Taking down scholars, students and preachers for useless and intrusive questions defame the regime arising big questions over the services of some officials,’ Shaikh added more.
Pointing out to a story, he said more, ‘A man applied for job in an official department and he was bearded person; but amazingly they asked him to shave first, and then go ahead! I told the Zahedanis’ representative, Payman Froozesh, that we had not objected them for shaving beard, how they try to shave our bearded men?!’
Mawlana Abdul Hameed pointed that it is possible that some bearded men commit crimes or sins; but all bearded men are not alike, the culprits should be tried only not all bearded men. Because of some people’s mistakes others should not be questioned. Seminaries’ teachers, students and activists of Tablighi Jamaal’s are best citizens of the society. NAJA –the Iranian Police – should give opportunity to Sunni citizens to provide their services to their country. Impartiality strengthens stability of the country and Islamic fraternity.