Shaikh Abdul-Hameed Ismaeelzahi indicated toward the Islamic Republic Day, 31 March, in the second part of his speech saying, ‘Following the victory of revolution in 1979, the Iranian nation widely took part in referendum next year; the majority said “yes” to the Islamic republic system on 31 March 1980. Republic means the government should be elected by majority; the nation has home-rule to administrate the country. All important decisions must be made by the votes and viewpoints of the nation.’
He added more, ‘Therefore, Assembly of Experts was given authority to codify the national constitution; though there were some objections on some Articles. Late Maulana Abdol-Aziz objected the Article that declares “Twelver Schism” the official religion of the country. Despite it, the constitution was codified and it was written that followers of other sects and religions have freedom.’
Talking to tens of thousands in the Grand Makki mosque of Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Maulana Abdul-Hameed underlined, ‘The point I would like to share it on this commemoration is that the Iranian nation cost their vote for an Islamic regime; people refused despotism and dictatorship and said ‘yes’ to freedom. People want to live freely under the rule of an elected government. They want to have a free and independent media, the followers of all sects and religions should be free in their daily rituals. These liberties are stipulated in the Iranian constitution.’
The eminent Sunni scholar further made it clear that the rulers should implement the constitution without any discrimination; so the majority is not authorized to marginalize and waste rights of minorities. Nobody can act according his wishes and name them “rules”. The Iranian constitution stipulates due rights of both the majority and minorities. So it is wrong to say Iran is the country of Shias or Persians. It is the homeland of all sects and castes live in the country. If the rulers want national unity and protection of regime, they must ensure providing due rights of the entire nation.
Pointing out towards an important issue, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah stated, ‘We have received complaints from some mega cities where Sunnis are in minority that some officials forbid them to establish daily prayers in congregation including Eid and Friday prayers. It also proves that our Sunni brothers in those cities and regions are weak; it is not suitable to be afraid of any one in the field of worshiping Allah Almighty.’
Shaikh Ismaeelzahi went on to say that unfortunately fanatic elements have been showing stepped-up sensitivity over Sunni communities’ prayers in some cities; it happens only in Iran! There are no such views across the world to prevent people from offering prayers in congregation; even Muslims have mosques in the capital of communist Russia. Muslims are free to offer prayers in mosques and public places freely.
The outstanding Sunni leader emphasized saying, ‘It is shameful for a nation like the Iranian nation to be sensitive on their fellow-citizens’ prayers or worshiping of other religions. It shows the cultural downfall of the Iranian nation. Establishing prayers is the worship of Allah; this is the right of everyone to offer prayers. The Sunni community also has the right to have mosques in Tehran and other metropolises.’
He further said that it is injustice to Shiites and the regime which should establish prayers to prevent Sunnis from offering prayers in congregation. If any Sunni citizen halts any Shia from prayers in any village or city, it will be counted oppression by Sunnis. Sunni Muslims have open minds and eyes, they show tolerance for others; Shiites should tolerate Sunnis as well.
Imam and Khateeb of Sunnis added more saying, ‘Iran’s Sunnis never joined miscreants and destroyers of the country; they just want their legal rights and religious freedom. Sunnis want the authorities to stop differentiating between Shias and Sunnis in employment. We call on all to return to the law and its complete enforcement. The powerful people must not oppress weak ones.’
Shaikh urged saying that Sunnis want equality and implementation of justice to unite the nation. It makes the nation unified and protected. Sometimes the frontier police open fire on people who smuggle goods or fuel; they burn their vehicles including the passengers. The Provincial Security Council is responsible for such brutal acts; its members will be questioned on the Resurrection Day over these incidents. Police must not be permitted to gun down people in the current exigent situation. Bad condition of national economy and intensified sanctions deteriorated the situation.