Shaikh Abdol-Hameed Ismaeelzahi rebuffed despiteful reports suggest that the Sunni community of Iran is a “possible peril” for the Iranian current regime and Shia community in Iran.
Talking to Iranian Sunni students in the Grand Makki mosque, he added more saying, ‘Some elements have been circulating reports that Sunnis create danger for the regime and Shia; these are false reports, because Sunnis of Iran are neither possible danger nor actually jeopardy for any one. Rather Sunnis are opportunity for the regime and Iran’s Shias if the regime takes Sunnis into confidence by pragmatic steps not mere slogans, giving them their due legal rights like equality and freedom in beliefs as the Constitution affirms. Besides, justice must be implemented in employment of Sunni youth. Then Sunnis will be the biggest opportunity for unity of the Muslim nation across the Muslim world.’
Addressing in the final session of the Sunni university students’ gathering, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed pointed out towards some problems of the Sunni community saying that Sunni Muslims of Iran mostly live in the frontier areas; they remained away of reputable universities and important educational centers of the country as they are located in the central cities of Iran. Thus, Sunnis’ intellectuals and academians are less than others. Besides, there are some other reasons which caused their backward in academic grounds.
‘So, we must struggle more to obtain academic development by adopting Shari’ah and getting specialization inside and outside of the country. Our youth should make serious efforts to get higher education to fulfill the deficits, we should be signs of honor for Islam and Muslims,’ he underlined.
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah indicated to complaint and protest of some officials over meeting of Sunni students with their scholars emphasizing, ‘Sunni students of universities have been visiting their religious scholars across the country; these visits are in accordance with ‘unity of university and seminary’, a point that the regime calls on it. This gathering that is going to be over in the Grand Makki mosque is only a visit between Sunni students and Islamic scholars. It is not a formal conference or political meeting; formal conferences end up with issuing statements or demands at the end while we talk about the unification of the Muslim Ummah.’
Pointing out to halt of some students by the officials to the gathering, he went on to say that many students as well as professors could not take part in this gathering; these are the narrow minds and sights forced by some elements. No one has heard that in any state around the globe residents of one province can not travel to another province unless they show entry permission or visa.
Shaikh further said, ‘There are different statistics about the population of Sunnis in Iran; I confirm they, at least, populate twenty percent of the whole population, it means we are fifth part of the population. Ahl-us-Sunnah is a fact as Shias are fact; no one can deny Shias’ existence and their rights in any country. The regime should see us and tolerate our existence.’
Urging on his main point, Maulana Abdol-Hameed stated, ‘We announce strictly that the Sunni community is not a danger for the regime and Shia, we do not support extremists; sobriety is our path, we will follow up the case of our due depriving rights through legal ways. We believe that Sunnis must enjoy full freedom to establish prayers in any part of the country without any hesitation.’
Addressing revolutionary sides in the Middle East, he said, ‘We address all the revolutionaries in Egypt, Yemen, Tunis and Libya, whoever holds the power should realize rights of all, their sights should be broad and equal, they should listen to their opponents and take care of human rights. We address our power-holders to widen their sights realizing rights of the nation.’
Rector of Darululoom Zahedan indicated to a letter sent by a university student who was forbidden to participate the gathering saying, ‘We have received a letter sent by a student; he complains the officials over forbidding him to travel to Zahedan. He wrote that he was weeping while writing us!’
Shaikh Ismaeelzahi added more saying that the important and considerable point is that everyone should be careful, this world is mortal and disloyal. It did not accomplish with the Prophet Muhammad, peace & blessings be upon him, and the Guided Caliphates. The only thing that would remain forever is a good and eternal fame. Everybody should try to gain a good name in future generations.
Male & female students; pioneers of revolutions against despotism
Shaikh Abdol-Hameed addressed the students at the end of his speech saying, ‘Oh students, you are our future! My advice to you is that do not get education, both Islamic and modern, to earn money or any rank and status in the society. Rather your study should be for providing service to people and society. Do not seek education for money and employment. Sustenance has been guaranteed by Exalted Allah. Keep studying with enthusiasm and hope. I am sure you will find an opportunity to serve the nation in future by the permission of Allah.’
‘O daughters and sons! You are the honor of our society in universities; your piety, dignity and chastity are honor of the society. Allah forbids; you should not go on a wrong way. Female students should know that progress does not lay on exhibitionism and leaving Islamic mantle. It is shameful if Muslim female student thinks that development and civilization depend on opposing Shar’ee clothing and showing beauty and parts of body. Be ideal in universities in the fields of morals, study, modesty, abidance with Shari’ah and amenability,’ he underscored.
Shaikh said more that male and female students were pioneers of the revolutions in the Middle East. Subject of suit and the call of Islam are justice, trueness and legislation of Shari’ah. Those regimes were tyrants who were stepped down by the nations.
Continuing his advices to male and female students, the prominent Sunni leader stated, ‘Protect your religious, cultural and ethnic identity. Neither we want any Shia to convert to our community nor do we want to call on people towards our culture and identity. Rather we want to protect our beliefs.’
‘We believe it is the right of every nation and community to resort its national and religious identity protecting its beliefs and religion. You are Sunnis, you must forefend your beliefs. If any nation abandons its cultural and religious identity to get prompt material interests, it would face chute; such communities are dead in fact,’ Shaikh Ismaeelzahi pointed.