The prominent Iranian Sunni scholar urged on “changing foreign and domestic policies” ahead of the 40th anniversary of Islamic revolution in Iran.
Talking to tens of thousands worshipers in Zahedan on Feb. 8, 2019, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “The nation is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the revolution’s victory while the country has been suffering from challenges inside and outside. These challenges cannot be ignored and denied.”
“Without any private motive and only on the basis of well-wishing I say that the only remedy is to change the ongoing domestic and foreign policies,” he emphasized.
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid further said: “There are many policies which have been in the country for 40 years, but they have not been responsive and people are unhappy with them. Changes should be in a way that could make people satisfied.”
“Recognize all ethnic and religious communities of the country practically and listen to the voice of people, even the voice of voiceless citizens. Outward unity without unity of hearts is meaningless with no fruit. People’s demands should be considered seriously, otherwise what will be the answer of officials to Allah Almighty on the Judgment day?!” he added more.
President of Darululoom Zahedan said: “By changing foreign policies we can resist the enemies and unjust sanctions of the US. Then the US cannot gather some powers and countries around it [against us]. There is need of a policy to stop and suffocate powers’ unity against the country and Iranian nation.”
“I see a dangerous deadlock in future of the country. As a will-wisher citizen I call on officials to change their policies and get people’s pleasure,” he underlined.
Iranian nation revolted against tyranny and suppression of the ex-regime
Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan pointed out to the reasons lead to the collapse of the regime of Shah and said: “The Iranian nation’s uprising under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini was against a regime which was fully dependent to the US and Western powers. They chanted slogans of ‘independence, freedom and Islamic republic’.”
“Iranians revolted because they wanted an independent country and Iran for all Iranians. When they revolted, there was not freedom of speech. Tyranny and suppression deprived all from criticizing and expression of views. Critics were suppressed and tried by the intelligence bureau of that time,” he added more.
The most influential Iranian Sunni leader said: “Iranian nation revolted to get independence and freedom; “freedom” is one of the basic due rights of every mankind for expressing his own views. But it does not mean absolute freedom which allows insulting.”
“The ex-regime was limited to one family. Elections were nominal and winners were those who the state used to want. Iranians’ uprising was for giving value to their votes.”
“Islamic” in “Islamic republic” boosts nations’ freedom
The famous Islamic scholar alluded to the title of the country and said: “Islam does not restrict “republicanism” and freedom, rather there is more freedom in Islam comparing to other religions and cultures. The word of “Islamic” in “Islamic republic” boosts and enhances freedom of nations.”
“The best times in the history of Islam are the era of the prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, and the times of the Guided Caliphs. They gave people full freedom of speech. People used to criticize them without any hesitation,” he added more.
Shaikh Abdol-Hamid pointed out to the story of a Jew citizen at the time of Sayyidana Ali who complained against Ali and then he was tried by the judge who was appointed by Ali himself and the decision was in favor the Jew, saying: “It is real Islam; the Guided Caliphs loved to be criticized by their citizens. Even once a time Omar was on pulpit and he asked the audience what will be their reaction if he deviates from the path of Islam and Sunnah of the prophet, a Bedouin stood and showed off his sword saying I will straighten you by this sword.”
He said: “Our system of governing is on the base of Islam; Islam is the most just system in the world. Allah Almighty has dispatched prophets for implementation of justice.”
At the end of his speech, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid called on all rulers to avoid from “religious sights” in domestic and foreign policies. He said: “Giving priority to any particular sect damages the system and nation. We should think for the dignity of Islam and our nation and country.”
Khateeb of Sunni said: “Shia and Sunni scholars should not think only for their sects; their efforts should be for all Muslims and human beings. Sectarian states always face problems and obstacles.”