Khateeb and Friday Imam of Ahl-us-Sunnah in Zahedan, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed Ismaeelzahi, explained advantages and rationales of Islamic commands in his latest Friday sermon counting Islamic Shari’ah in the favor of human beings’ interests.
He was talking to tens of thousands worshippers in Zahedan on Friday, Feb. 08, 2013.
He added more, “By meditation in divine commands we will realize all of them ensure interests of human beings. Allah Exalted formed these principles to bring His servants nearer and make them perfect. Allah Almighty has not considered His advantage in any command even in creation of mankind. Allah does not need any thing; He is completely needless. He is the real super power. Allah states in the Noble Qur’an: «إِنَّمَا قَوْلُنَا لِشَيْءٍ إِذَا أَرَدْنَاهُ أَن نَّقُولَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ» [نحل: 40], (Whenever We intend to do something, We do no more than say to it, Be, and it comes to be.)”
The eminent Sunni scholar underlined whatever Allah, the Sublime, has enjoined and forbidden is in accordance with the advantages of human beings. Allah has forbidden what is harmful for mankind; their inward and outward health is ensured by commands of Allah Almighty. It is not allowed to cut or hit any part of the body by knife, as well as it is Haram to burn or tattoo any part of human body. Backbiting, lying, and breaking promise and such kinds of transgressions are forbidden for protection of spiritual life of mankind. Such misdeeds defame the involved people in society as well. When a person tells lie, people will remain suspicious on his hundreds of truths.
Believing in oneness of Allah makes people close to Him
Continuing his discourse, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah urged that believing in Tawhid of Allah brings changes in the human life. There is a huge difference between the man who believes in God and the one who has no faith. Deeds can be accepted by correct tenets; unbelievers’ good deeds are fruitless in the Hereafter. If a person believes there is no God but Allah, He had sent prophets to lead mankind towards the straight path and there is another endless life after death, so s/he would see big changes in the life. When a person has faith in such points, he never considers himself free to do what he wishes.
Prosperity of people depends on correct tenets and deeds. In worships like Salah, Hajj, Sawm (fasting) etc… the interests of mankind have been considered. These deeds bring mankind nearer to spirituality. The only thing Allah wants in such worships is purity in intention; they should be carried out only for the sake of Allah. When we bow down before Allah or we sacrifice any animal, it is Ekhlas (purity in intention) that brings us to heavens. As Allah mentioned: “It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.” [Hajj: 37] Piety, purity and paying respect get mankind closer to Allah Almighty, Shaikh further said.
He concluded the first part of his sermon by underlining on importance of Friday prayers putting it a social worship which has lots of wisdoms and rations. According to a Hadith, Allah bestows attendees of Friday gathering reward of an Umrah.
Iranian regime can survive by participation of all sects
In the second part of his speech, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed alluded to the 34th anniversary of “Islamic Revolution” in Iran putting rule of one political wing or party against the interests of the country.
In a part of his sermon, Shaikh Ismaeelzahi said, “34 years ago, the Iranian nation demanded elimination of despotism and tyranny from the country unanimously. People wanted to have fair share in the fate of their country rebuffing rule of authoritarian.”
‘Reviving the spirit of seeking freedom and social awakening’ was one of the achievements of the public revolution of 1979 in Iran. Seeking liberty is the symbol of development, while slavery is the sign of abjection for human beings, he added more.
The member of the International Union for Muslim Scholars underlined that after 34 years we should analyze achievements, challenges, and ups & downs of the Revolution. On the day of victory of the revolution, all classes and sects were happy with the new term; now we must consider the situation. Are the people having solidarity with the new regime yet? Have we lost some people’s sympathy? The demands of dissenters of the Revolution must be analyzed fairly.
This regime can continue its life only with the support of all classes and groups of the country; the voice of critics should not be neglected, their rational demands must be answered. The rule of one wing, or one sect and race has not given good results. Sodality of the entire nation guarantees the durability of the regime, he stated.
We need a national & wide presidential election
Pointing out to the presidential election to be held on June 2013, the rector of Darululoom Zahedan further said, “The presidential election must not limited to any particular wing; a national and free election is the need of the country. When we say “free election”, it means the election should be held with a wider vision so capable members of all wings, tendencies and groups could take part. I do not think any Sunni nominate can get candidacy to compete in presidential elections, but it is Sunnis’ right to participate in the elections.”
Preventing non-Shias from presidency; unfair law
Criticizing a biased article of the Iranian constitution, he stated it was the blunder of elites who codified the text of the constitution; they made an article that president can be only a Shia citizen! We all belong to this country, Iran is for all citizens and residents of Iran; there must not be any discrimination among different sects and ethnic groups including Shiites, Sunnis, Farsi, Baluchi, Azeri, Arab, Kurd, Turk and other communities. Although it is a reformable clause but there is no any intention to correct it. Despite it, we say at least the election among Shiite groups and parties must not be limited to any special side. Many politicians are in prison now; they can help the rulers to organize a nation-wide and successful election if the prisoners are released.
Advising the ruling regime, the outstanding Sunni leader said, “We have lots of enemies; now we need friends more than any other time. The tiresome and crippling sanctions have affected the lives of most of the people; all common citizens suffer from financial problems thanks to economic sanctions. Survival of the revolution before international pressures and conspiracies is impossible with narrow minds of the rulers.”
Sunnis of Iran demand equality
At the 34th anniversary of the revolution in Iran, the Sunni community asks the authorities and policy-makers once again to root up discriminations. We all are Iranians and we defend our motherland. Rights of Daravish (Shia Sufis), Jews, Christians, and other minorities must be preserved. There must not be any discrimination between Shias and Sunnis in employment and distribution of key posts. Besides, Sunnis’ religious independence should be protected. They should be free to build mosques where it is needed in any part of the country, Mawlana Abdol-Hameed added more.
He went on saying, “We are in favor of all minorities in any state; we recommend Egyptian rulers to take care of their minorities. We ask the government of Iraq as well to give full rights to Iraqi Sunnis. Mr. Noori al-Maleki can get rid of the ongoing crisis only by establishing a wider cabinet and non-sectarian government. Security, fraternity and unity can be obtained only by giving rights to all and equal behavior.”
Alluding to detention of some journalists in Tehran, Shaikh Ismaeelzahi said such incidents are not in the favor of the Islamic regime; detention of journalists has had a negative reflection against the country. Authorities must avoid troublemaker acts which defame the country.
At the end of his Friday speech, Khateeb of Sunni Muslims in Zahedan denounced strongly the assassination of a Sunni scholar in Zahedan, Molawi Abdullah Brahui, who was targeted while driving to the Grand Makki Masjid for prayers last Friday. He asked the pertinent authorities to detain and punish the culprits as soon as possible.