Addressing “Education” and “Preaching” as Essential Duties of Scholars/ Reformative Engagement of Scholars with the People Leads to Thriving Schools and Mosques

Shaikh ul Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, this morning, Thursday (November 28, 2024), during the second meeting of Sunni religious school principals in Sistan and Baluchistan, emphasized that focusing on the aspects of “education” and “preaching” are among the “intrinsic duties of scholars” and stressed the necessity of “reformative engagement” of scholars with the general public.

“Collaboration for Advancing Religious Schools” as the Purpose of the Meeting
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Prayer Office in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated at this meeting—hosted by Madinat al-Uloom Seminary in Khash with the participation of prominent scholars, principals, and a group of teachers from Sunni religious schools in Sistan and Baluchistan—that the primary purpose of the gathering is “collaboration for advancing religious schools.”
In his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid identified “planning and efforts to develop and promote schools” and “engaging with people to strengthen religiosity” as the main duties of scholars. He remarked:
The survival of mosques and religious schools depends on the religiosity and piety of the general public and the community. If neglect and sin prevail in society, and people fail to perform prayers and adhere to other religious commands, the negative impact naturally extends to mosques and religious schools as well. However, if scholars maintain a connection with the people and invite them toward religion, this engagement will contribute to the material and spiritual flourishing of schools. Beyond relying on the Almighty God, we need the material and spiritual support of the people.
The Friday Prayer Leader of Zahedan added:
The role of scholars in the areas of “education” and “preaching” is profoundly significant, and efforts in these domains constitute their essential duties and missions. If scholars fulfill this mission, we can hope for awakening among the people, or at least a reduction in irreligion within society. Thus, scholars should engage with the people in a reformative manner and seize every opportunity to fulfill their mission and responsibility.
The Head of the Coordination Council of Sunni Religious Schools in Sistan and Baluchistan, Addressing School Advancement, highlighted the importance of efforts by school administrators for the development and progress of schools, stating:
Past experience has shown that if school administrators and teachers fully and seriously address students’ education, attendance in classes, and other apparent and inner needs, schools will prosper and advance.
In the concluding part of his speech during the meeting of Sunni religious school principals in Sistan and Baluchistan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid also advised and emphasized on “maintaining provincial security” and “pursuing demands and resolving issues through legal channels.”