Religious Pressures, Contrary to the Constitution,

Referring to the increase of severe religious pressures on Sunni Community in Iran, the most influential Iranian Sunni leader considered closing down of prayer rooms in some metropolis in contrast to the constitution. “No government is allowed to stop people from holding prayers, “Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said.
He was talking to tens of thousands of worshippers in Zahedan’s biggest Friday gathering on Nov 24, 2023.
The Iranian top Sunni leader continued his speech by saying: “Prayer is an important pillar of Islam. As Muslims, we have a duty to establish prayers and inspire others to offer prayers. Unfortunately, in some big cities, security forces stop worshippers from holding prayers in prayer houses.
Several prayer rooms have been closed down in Tehran and Mashhad.” “Neither God nor the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him has allowed any government to prevent people from performing prayers.
When British seized some Islamic lands, it never prevented Muslims from prayers. It is known that the British said that you (Muslims) offer prayers, but do not interfere in our governance, “said the Friday prayer Imam of Sunnis in Zahedan.
He continued: “In all prayer houses that were shut down, they did not make any controversial speech.
Prayer is a worship and does not harm any government. Everyone should worship freely; It does not matter whether he is a Shia or a Sunni, Muslim, or non-Muslim, Jew or Christian. In the past, Communists used to prevent Muslims from offering prayers, but now they have come to the conclusion that putting religious pressure has no benefit and all religions shoulld have freedom.”
The president of Darululoom Zahedan believed: “Putting pressure on Shiites or Sunnis, or Jews and Christian, is contrary to the constitution.”
He questioned: “When the constitution has allowed to establish prayers, why you prevent?”
“Those who who stop people from holding prayers, whether they are Shia or Sunni such an action is the hostility against God. In one of the cities, when people said that we will offer prayers the police officer responded that the guilty of leaving your prayers is on me. This shows that they have not understood the religion of Islam. Some (authorities) have said to the people that you are not allowed to establish prayers because you are related to the Grand Makki Mosque of Zahedan. In fact, the Makki Mosque is related to Makkah,” said Imam of the Grand Makki Mosque of Zahedan.

Open shut down prayer rooms
Having freedom to establish prayers is our basic right
The eminent Iranian Sunni scholar went on to insist on preserving religious freedoms and addressed the authorities: “It is our serious demand that our prayer rooms should not be closed down. let people hold prayers freely and do not threaten prayer leaders; this is our basic right. If you take away this right from us, then nothing will be valuable to us. If you give us everything but stop us from prayers, we will not accept anything from you. I am a well-wisher.”
“All of us must inspire people to offer prayers. It’s the responsibility of the government to pave the way for worshippers to establish prayers. Both the people and the government should pay attention to prayers. People should be inspired to offer prayers and worship Allah, “he said.

Shaikh Abdol-Hamid urged on legal freedoms and said: “Freedom is very important. When we call on for freedoms, it doesn’t mean that we believe to free alcohol, bribes, drugs and other kinds of sins. We say we should have legitimate freedoms including the freedom of expression and pen.”
“Tolerate critics. One of the main important tasks of the sovereignty is to protect mosques and maintain prayers. Today, we protest that why Israel ruins mosques, churches, and synagogues in Gaza? It should be said that Muslims has not destroyed churches and synagogue throughout history. The worshipers have dignity; this position must be maintained, “he added more.

Sunnis have no share in the national media
We have a website; they want to shut it down
The most outstanding Iranian Sunni scholar emphasized on freedom of media and said that the freedom of media should be maintained. “We have no any share in national media while in other countries, all religious and ethnic communities have such freedoms. We have wished to have at least a satellite and a TV network. We have a website that was filtered from the very beginning. Many try to shut down this website, “said the president of Darululoom Zahedan.

He noted: “We should have a broad view. When the look of sovereignty is high, it is a mercy for the nation, but if the ruler’s look is narrow, the ruler and the nation will be in trouble. I would like to advise the authorities not to arrest people for small reasons. To live together in peace and tranquility, all must have patience and tolerance.
He emphasized the release of prisoners and stated: “Some scholars are in prison; While they did not do anything. Speak with them and solve their problems through negotiations. Negotiat and talk with the Ulama and free them to serve the community. Free all including women, students and youth.

The security atmosphere of Zahedan must be removed
For lasting security and peace, he emphasized to the Security Council of Sistan and Baluchistan Province and stated: “Reduce the security measures in Zahedan.The security space around the Grand Musalla of Zahedan must be removed fully. (The Grand Musalla is the place where the Friday prayers of Zahedan are held).The security environment have costs for both the government and the nation and affects people’s business and economy.”

The ceasefire in Gaza is a pleasant news
The most influential Iranian Sunni leader referred to the ceasefire in Gaza and said: “The ceasefire in Gaza is a pleasant news. We hope for a permanent ceasefire. The international community must seek a permanent solution to this long-standing difference.”

Pointing out to the temporary ceasefire in Gaza, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said: “We are very glad and our heart has been relaxed for the ceasefire in Gaza. The captives of both sides are being exchanged. Releasing of captives of both sides is pleasant for us. We hope for a permanent ceasefire because the war has casualties.” “Although Israel and Jews people have also suffered losses, but the loss of the Palestinians has been far more. No one will be satisfied with the killing of women, children, and innocents, ” said the Friday Imam of Zahedan.
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid added: “A basic solution to end the long conflict between two nations is the duty of the international community. Islamic countries must unite with each other and resolve the problem, he underlined.