Demanding ‘participation of the Iranian Sunni community in the management of the country’, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid called on the authorities to ensure ‘religious freedoms’ of the Sunni Muslims in Iran.
Talking to tens of thousands in Zahedan on August 26, 2016, the outstanding Iranian Sunni leader pointed out to ‘two basic anxieties’ of the Iranian Sunnis and said, “Sunnis’ satisfaction can be obtained by preserving their respect. The Sunnis have been ignored and marginalized from key posts in the national, provincial and district levels; thus it is contemptuous for them”.
“There are some offices with three hundred personnel in the cities with majority of Sunnis, but the share of them is only ten or fifteen. It hurts us,” he added more.
Khateeb and Friday imam of Sunnis in Zahedan went to say more, “There is no any excuse for ignoring Sunnis’ talented citizens. The principle of meritocracy should be held seriously in the country. The competent members of ethnic and religious communities should not be marginalized.”
Sunnis should have religious freedom in the whole country
Alluding to the second anxiety of the Iranian Sunni community, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said, “We want our religious freedoms in the whole country. We only want the rights which have been clarified in the national constitution. Biased and illegal behavior is not tolerable for our society.”
He, then pointed to the problems of some Sunni prayer-houses in Tehran, and said, “The establishment of the obligatory prayers is one of the duties of the government as the Noble Qur’an has made it clear. Anyone in any corner of Iran wants to offer prayers; there must not be any limitation. Even the followers of other religions such as Christians and Jews also should have freedom to worship according to their faith.”
“We are sure creating troubles for Sunni worshipers will make them angry. Our enemies are awaiting such issues to create anxieties. The top authorities should stop lower officials who lack foresight and make Sunnis worried. It is unexpected to see some people ban our prayer-houses and five-time prayers,” the rector of Darululoom Zahedan said.
He further underlined, “We hope the ongoing government would not remain apathetic in this case. The government authorities should fulfill their responsibilities by controlling wayward powerful elements. Religious freedom is a basic right of people; without this freedom there is no any liberty, in fact.”
“All should act upon the law and respect it. We oppose violence and extremism because we want our legal rights. If we present any demand above the law, refuse it,” Shaikh Abdol-Hamid added more.
We are heirs of Iran
Pointing out to the Iranian origin of Sunni ethnic communities, he said, “Religious freedom is the right of every Iranian and we are Iranians, too. Sunnis including Persians, Baloch, Kurd, Turk, Turkmen, Arab and other ethnicities have roots in Iran. We are heirs of Iran. Tehran belongs to all Iranians as the other parts of Iran belong to all Iranians.”
“We should enjoy full freedom in Tehran and other metropolises; no one can tell us you are Baloch and you have nothing to do in Tehran. We will never compromise on this issue. We have been defending our country; it is nonsense some elements show reluctance about Sunnis. In the Islamic regime some sides cannot tolerate prayers (Namaz); it does not suit an Islamic state,” Shaikh Isma’eelzahi emphasized.
Addressing the top Iranian leaders, the outstanding Iranian Sunni scholar said, “We expect the supreme leader would follow up the case of our problems directly. Also, president Rouhani is expected to support us as he was supported by the votes of ethnic communities. Such sensitive issues should not be abandoned for others, even his ministers.”
“We should not have anxieties in the country; all should stand against sectarianism. The elements that create troubles for the Sunni community are inside the ruling regime but in lower posts. They have no foresight as they do not see the facts inside and outside of the country. The elites of the regime should control their fanatic elements,” Khateeb of Sunnis made it clear.
Nuclear deal; the biggest achievement of the government
Congratulating the ‘Government Week’ of Iran to provincial and national authorities, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid termed the nuclear deal with the world powers ‘the biggest achievement’ of the current government.
He said, “By nuclear deal most of the sanctions, threats and dangers against the country have been removed or decreased. It was in accordance with the interests of the Iranian nation and Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Pointing out to some problems in the province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said, “Poverty and unemployment have been raged in Sistan-Baluchistan. There are many problems. Drought and on the other hand poverty and economic crises harm people. We hope the government will take bigger steps to decrease the crises.”
“To be just, there have been some positive changes in two provinces as the capable educated members of the ethnic communities were employed. But the expectations of the ethnic and religious minorities –who suffered more than others- have not been fulfilled yet,” he reminded the president.
We have strong complaints about Sistan’s Sunnis
Alluding to the unjust condition of the Sunni citizens in Sistan region, southeastern Iran, the prominent Sunni leader urged, “There has not been any kind of change in some provinces to employ and engage Sunnis in the managing offices. There are districts with Sunni majority but they have been neglected.”
“In Sistan region which has five districts, Sunnis’ population is near to the majority Shia. Shia and Sunni communities have long and deep positive relations in that area; they live together peacefully and fraternally. But Sunnis suffer from discrimination and we have strong complaints in this regard. Sunnis of Sistan always ask us to convey their message to the authorities,” he added more.
Concluding his points, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid underlined, “We hope the ruling politicians will fulfil their promises during the remaining one year of their government.”