To Solve Country’s Problems, Officials should Listen to Opponents too

Pointing out to the economic crisis in Iran and the depreciation of Iranian national currency, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid of Zahedan said in his Friday speech of July 10, 2020 that the officials should solve country’s economic problems and added that they should listen to opponents as well.

In this regard, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “A few years ago, as an Iranian Muslim citizen, I suggested the officials to convene a conference consisting of Shiite and Sunni elites giving opportunity to all sides to express their viewpoints in order to solve country’s problems. Unfortunately my recommendation was not heard at that time and many opportunities were missed”.

“However, the officials should not rely on their advisors and experts’ opinions; they are human beings and they make mistakes. If experts weren’t mistaken, we wouldn’t be challenged on fuel crisis and many other issues”, the Friday prayer leader of Sunnis in Zahedan added more.

Insisting that he was not from the opposition factions, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “As a well-wisher to the country, I propose to the government and officials to call for a conference and listen to all factions.”

“There should be chances and opportunities for all, including elites, well-wishers and scholars to speak and express their views freely”, he urged.

President of Darululoom Zahedan called the government for the release of political prisoners and said: “Release the people who are in prison and we know them; Let them talk and defend themselves.”

Addressing the government officials, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “Listen to the people and consider this critical situation. One USD has been equal to more than 220.000 Iranian Rial and the value of our currency has fallen among neighboring countries”.

He continued: “Instead of dealing with small issues, the officials should focus on big issues. They should raise the value of the currency again”.

“I’m not a hostile to the government and as a well-wisher I’d like to ask the officials to think about this issue in order to find a solution to resolve the country’s problems. Of course there are solutions for the current crises, but have you dispatched anyone to know about our solutions?!” Imam of the Grand Makki Mosque of Zahedan questioned.

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid then expressed the hope that a conference would be formed where everyone could express their views and where the scholars, experts and elites would have their say.

“The highest capacity for a person is to listen to the opponent and if the opponents tell the truth, we should accept and respect it. This is broad-mindedness”, he said.

Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “Now the country is in a state of passivity and this is dangerous. Country’s recent crisis should be solved; I hope that the authorities will find a solution and will change their policies”.

It is a betrayal if the authorities consider only their own interests
Referring to the hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Shaikh Abdol-Hamid believed that the scholars, authorities and elders in the society have a big responsibility on their shoulders. They have to consider nation’s interests in all scenes.

He said: “If the scholars, thinkers and officials think and work hard only about themselves, they have betrayed the society.”

“If I care about myself and my children and friends and do not care about the society, I have not fulfilled my Islamic duty, because we are all responsible to others”, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid urged.

He said more: “Officials need to know that if they go to bed at night and people are hungry, they will have to answer to Allah the Almighty. Today, the Iranian people need more attention than ever before”.

“The Iranian currency which is a national asset has been losing its value every day. The officials should not let the value of the national currency to fall so,” said Shaikh Abdol-Hamid.

“Islam has wide capacities; why are these capacities are not used well? he questioned.

Khateeb of Sunnis concluded his points by saying: “Islam considers all conditions and circumstances; the honorable officials should use the capacity of Islam and take benefits of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and follow the instructions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH everywhere.”

Observe health protocols seriously
In another part of his speech, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid pointed to the critical situation hit by the spread of COVID 19 and said: “Today, the virus of COVID 19 has spread around the world; Islam has taught us patience, resistance and helping others in such circumstances.”

Shaikh Abdol-Hamid also called for helping poor and needy people by saying: “Unfortunately, poverty has increased in Iran today. There are some citizens who do not find a bread and meat in their meal. Many have gone to prison for economic reasons. There are orphans and widows in our city and in other cities who need our help. Islam has taught us to help such people. Let’s not only think about ourselves, wives and children, but also think about others”.

Friday Imam of Sunnis in Zahedan continued: “COVID 19 has a simple cure. We should avoid gatherings which are dangerous, wash hands and follow health protocols. There are easy ways to cure it. In the same plants that are found in the deserts, there is also a cure for this disease”.

“Allah has created a cure for every pain”, he said.