The “Implementation of Justice” and the “Elimination of Discrimination” are the Primary Duties of the Government

Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, today (August 30, 2024), during the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, emphasized that the “implementation of justice” and the “elimination of discrimination” are the most significant and paramount demands of the Iranian people, and the foremost responsibility of the government. He expressed hope that Dr. Pezeshkian’s administration would be able to resolve the past issues and earn the satisfaction of the people.

Past Governments Promised to “Implement Justice,” But these Promises were Not Fulfilled
According to the information office of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: Many dear individuals have expressed their grievances to me, claiming that I only highlight shortcomings and do not acknowledge the services and work that have been accomplished. For instance, they say that in this province, many roads, railways, and gas pipelines have been constructed. These are indeed significant services, and we do not claim that previous governments did nothing; however, much more critical and fundamental work was left undone by past administrations, which is the main source of our complaints.
He emphasized that the implementation of justice and the elimination of discrimination are the core responsibilities of any government. All past governments pledged to implement justice and eliminate discrimination, but these promises were not fulfilled, and the issues were not addressed.

If Violations in the Country are Addressed, People will Regain Hope
Mawlana Abdol Hamid then referred to a recent positive action by the authorities and said: Recently, a person in Lahijan was arrested and, due to being tortured for the purpose of extracting a forced confession—a practice forbidden and impermissible in Islamic law—lost his life because of inadequate medical attention. Authorities from various levels, including the judiciary, the presidency, and the organization whose officers committed this violation, intervened in the matter, issuing orders for an investigation and the arrest and accountability of the violators.
He added: These types of actions have a positive impact; even media outlets that are opposed to the government and the state reported on this action. Therefore, if the injustices and violations occurring in the country are addressed, people will regain hope. Anyone who commits a violation, regardless of their position or whose child they are, must be held accountable.

Nearly Two Years have Passed since the Zahedan Bloody Friday Massacre, Yet it has Not been Addressed.
No Religion or Government should be Compromised for the Crime of a Single Officer
The Friday Imam of Zahedan continued: However, our grievance from the past is that an incident occurred in Zahedan that shook the world, and everyone knows that this incident was unjust. Yet, we still do not know the motivation behind this incident! This incident coincided with the Mahsa movement, and perhaps it occurred in Zahedan to prevent the people of this region from joining the protests, or as a lesson for others. God knows the true reason, but this matter, now approaching two years old, has not been investigated or addressed by the authorities. If this matter had been addressed and the people had been consoled, it would have been very beneficial and impactful.
He added: If the incident involving Ms. Mahsa Amini and the subsequent events during the protests, such as what happened in Lahijan, had been investigated and the authorities had punished the wrongdoer instead of sacrificing the system and government, it would have been wise and prudent. No government should be compromised for the wrongdoing of a soldier, officer, or official. Rather, anyone who makes a mistake, regardless of their position, should be held accountable.

We Hope the New Government can Resolve Past Issues “With Wisdom and Prudence” to Gain Public Approval
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized: We hope the new government can address the issues that arose in the past, which led to the dissatisfaction of the majority of the Iranian people, and gain their satisfaction through wisdom and prudence. From the beginning, we have demanded an investigation into the Zahedan incident and have expressed our willingness to engage in fair dialogue.
He further stressed: The most important demand of society is the elimination of discrimination. If you eliminate discrimination, the people will find solace; but as long as discrimination exists, even if you pave all the roads with gold, the problems will not be resolved. Discrimination is the greatest problem of the Iranian people.


The Presence of Four Women and One Sunni in the Fourteenth Government is a Positive Step; Society Expects Greater Progress
Mawlana Abdol Hamid, continuing his remarks, referred to the composition of the cabinet in the fourteenth government and stated: We are pleased that four women have joined the cabinet in the fourteenth government. In the past 45 years, only one woman was appointed as a minister, and no Sunnis were present in the government’s cabinets. Now, for the first time, a Sunni has been included in the cabinet.
He said: What has happened in the composition of the fourteenth government’s cabinet is a positive point. However, the expectation of the Sunni community, women, and indeed the entire nation is that greater strides should be taken and that more women and Sunnis should be employed at various levels. Many women have greater competence and abilities than some of the individuals currently chosen, but unfortunately, the selection system in our country is such that capable individuals are often rejected, and those who are aligned with the ideology, party, or system are chosen. Utilizing capable individuals benefits everyone and brings a good reputation, but someone who lacks competence, even if they are dear to us, will harm us and damage our reputation. You should broaden your perspective and consider the entire nation; if you do not see positive results, you can always revert to your previous preferences.

Release Political Prisoners and Engage in Dialogue with Them
”Equal Treatment,” “Justice,” and “Freedom” Create Unity Among the Iranian People
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further emphasized the need to release political prisoners and engage in dialogue with them, saying: Authorities should engage in dialogue with political prisoners and allow them to contribute to society instead of keeping them in prison.
He continued: The most important factors that can create unity and harmony among all the people of Iran are “equal treatment,” “justice,” and “freedom.” The people must have the freedom to speak so that everyone, including officials, officers, and scholars, can self-reflect and reform. In our society and others, no person is without flaws, and no one should consider themselves pure and holy. No human is infallible. If anyone considers themselves above error, that very thought is an error.

The Infiltration of Extremists into a Religion, Sect, or Government is a Sign of Their Decline
Mawlana Abdol Hamid then criticized extremism, stating: Extremism is harmful to everyone. When extremism infiltrates any religion or ideology, it tarnishes that religion or ideology. Extremism in Islam inflicts severe damage on the faith. Throughout history, the harm caused by extremist Muslims to Islam has been greater than that caused by its enemies.
He asserted: The presence of extremists is a sign of the decline of a religion, sect, government, system, or state. My advice to all governments and states worldwide is not to rely on extremists and flatterers.

Do Not Deprive Women of Education
In another part of his Friday sermon, the Friday Imam of Zahedan highlighted the importance of education for women, saying: My recommendation to everyone is not to deprive women of education. Women possess competence and ability, sometimes even more than some men.
He added: The conduct of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an example for all of us; the Prophet placed great importance on the education of women. The knowledge and religious understanding that today’s Muslims have are the blessings of the knowledge acquired by the great companions, both men, and women. One of the noble wives of the Prophet narrated over two thousand hadiths. All the Prophet’s noble wives and the Ahl al-Bayt were scholars.

The Massacre of Women and Children and the Destruction of Cities is a Disgrace
The Era of “War and Killing” is Over, and the Era of “Science and Technology” Has Begun
Mawlana Abdol Hamid further stated: Governments that seek to engage with the world must consider the current global circumstances. The time for war and killing has passed, and we are now in an era of science and knowledge. Countries around the world do not assert their superiority based on military equipment, but rather on advanced science and technology. Therefore, all Islamic and non-Islamic countries must focus on science and technology.
He added: In the Israeli government, there are extremists who take pride in war and killing, but the massacre of women and children and the destruction of cities is a disgrace to humanity. Many of the governments currently engaged in war are fighting for their own survival and interests. The greatest battles are against ignorance, poverty, a weak economy, and unemployment.

Officials Should Prioritize Global Engagement
In the concluding part of his remarks, Mawlana Abdol Hamid urged the country’s leaders and officials to focus on “engaging with the world.” He stated: The best approach is for the global community to live in peace, stability, and cooperation. We hope that our country’s officials will also give special importance to global engagement and explore new avenues for interacting with the world.

Educational Decline in the Province Has Increased; Parents and the Education System Are to Blame
In the opening part of his Friday sermon in Zahedan, the Friday Imam expressed regret over the “decline in educational standards” in the country, particularly in Sistan and Baluchistan, and called on families and community leaders to focus on the education of children and youth. He said: Unfortunately, educational decline has increased in the region, and Sistan and Baluchistan ranks among the lowest in terms of education and learning. Some parents and families are responsible for this, and the Ministry of Education and the provincial education department have also failed to plan adequately. Capable and dedicated managers have not been appointed as they should have been.
He emphasized: Both the responsibility of parents and families, and the responsibility of the government, the Ministry of Science, and the Ministry of Education, are very heavy in this regard. Everyone must work together, hand in hand, to plan and act for the education and upbringing of children.

Employing Local Residents is the Best Way to Improve the Level of Education
Mawlana Abdol Hamid asserted: The government should prioritize the education and upbringing of children in its programs. One of the best ways to improve the level of education in the country is to employ local and long-term residents. Individuals from the region should be trained to work within their own areas because these individuals are more familiar with the problems and needs of the region and are more dedicated.
He added: The government must pay special attention to the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education. Unfortunately, in recent years, both universities and schools have suffered. The government must seriously plan to solve these problems and address the weaknesses in this area, and the Ministries of Science and Education must focus all their efforts on the education and training of children. There should even be planning for adult education.

So Far, No Sunni Has Been Appointed as a Director General of Education in the Country
Appoint Individuals Based on Merit, Regardless of Religion, Sect, or Ethnicity
Mawlana Abdol Hamid then expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of Sunni representation in high-level positions within the Ministries of Science and Education, saying: Unfortunately, in the past, not even one director general of education has been appointed from among the Sunnis in any province of the country; what prejudices have been at work in this country! In every ethnic group and sect, there are capable and talented individuals; you should employ the qualified members of society, regardless of their religion, sect, or ethnicity.
He continued: I even believe that when employing individuals, do not consider their religion—whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim—but rather their conscience and capabilities. Sometimes a minister or official makes statements and offers slogans and promises that are so superficial that it brings shame and embarrassment. Every minister and official, instead of giving slogans, should focus on fulfilling their primary duties and responsibilities.