“Constructive Negotiation” Can Save the Country from Current Challenges

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, today (January 24, 2025), during the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, named “increased sanctions” and “war” as the most significant threats against the country, considering “constructive negotiation and dialogue” as the best way out of the current challenges.

The New Global Conditions Require New Laws and Policies
According to the news portal of the Sunni Friday Imam’s office in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid, in part of his speech at the Friday prayer ceremony, said: “Today, new and unprecedented conditions have emerged in the world, and all issues must be changed according to these new conditions. Laws and policies must also be adjusted based on today’s realities because past laws cannot meet the needs of the people and the country.”
He added: “The laws and policies from the past 45 years are problematic in many areas, and the issues resulting from these laws are well-known. Therefore, these laws and policies need to change.”

“New Sanctions” and “War” Pose Threats to the Country
The Friday Imam of Zahedan warned about “the intensification of sanctions” against the country, stating: “Severe sanctions are being planned against the country. The threat of ‘war’ also looms over the country. Sanctions, which are even more dangerous than war, pose a threat to society.”
He further emphasized: “Although the previous sanctions might have benefited a few, they have caused significant harm to the people of Iran. The sanctions, along with the corruption and embezzlements within the country, have taken everything away from the nation. Meanwhile, a small group has seized national resources, which has created more problems for both the people and the country.”

Solving the Country’s Problems Requires a “New Mechanism”; “Negotiation” is the Best Solution
Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to “negotiation” as the best solution for overcoming the country’s issues, saying: “Solving the current problems of the country requires a new mechanism and plan, and the best approach is ‘dialogue and negotiation.’”
He emphasized: “Constructive negotiation and dialogue can prevent the sanctions and remove the risks of ‘war’ and ‘sanctions,’ thus saving the country from the present challenges. Of course, these negotiations must be serious and have the necessary authority.”

The Negotiating Parties Must Have “Honesty” and “Patience”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan added: “We call for honesty, both from the Iranian side as well as from the other parties, whether they are Americans, Europeans, or any other parties. Both sides must be honest, trustworthy, and approach the negotiations with patience, endurance, and generosity to prevent the country from falling into greater problems and suffering.”
He also stated: “The instruction of Islam is that we must act honestly even with our enemies; even if they are not honest, we must remain truthful, and our words should be backed by reality and honesty.”

The Iranian People are Enduring “Unprecedented Suffering” in the Field of Livelihood; Without Addressing the People’s Issues, National Satisfaction Cannot Be Achieved
Mawlana Abdol Hamid, in the final part of his speech, referred to the economic hardships faced by the Iranian people, saying: “Unfortunately, the people of Iran are currently enduring an immense and unprecedented hardship in economic and livelihood matters, which is unmatched in any country around the world.”
He added: “The value of the national currency is rapidly declining. If this situation continues, it will result in much more severe consequences for the people and the country. Therefore, solving these issues requires serious thought, and as long as the country’s leaders and those in power do not address the problems and needs of the people, national satisfaction will not be achieved.”

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) Was a Mercy to All of Mankind and Showed Compassion to All Beings
Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, in the first part of his speech during the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan (January 24, 2025), emphasized that “the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) not only showed mercy to his companions and to humankind but also to animals and nature.” He advised various segments of society to emulate “the compassion and noble character of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).”
According to the news portal of the Sunni Friday Imam’s office in Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, after reciting the verse: “So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in matters. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” [Aal-e-Imran: 159],
Stated:
“Allah Almighty, in this verse, describes the character of the Prophet (PBUH), saying that you, by Allah’s grace and mercy, are kind, gentle, and compassionate. The Prophet (PBUH) was not only merciful to his companions but was a mercy for all of mankind. He also showed compassion to animals and nature.”
He further noted: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not approve of harming nature. He designated a boundary for the city of Medina, stating that within this area, no trees should be cut, and no animals should be hunted. Allah Almighty forbade the cutting of trees and hunting in the surroundings of Mecca, and the Messenger (PBUH) prohibited cutting trees, plants, and hunting animals in Medina. Green spaces and lush nature uplift the human spirit and deepen one’s belief in Allah’s grandeur.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan said: “A person in the state of Ihram is not allowed to hunt or harm wild animals. The prohibition of hunting during the Hajj rituals is a test and a training in piety and obedience to God, teaching humans to control themselves when they see a hunt and to abide by Allah’s commandments. Another lesson is the importance of preserving wildlife. Hunting is forbidden within the sacred precincts of Mecca and Medina. If an animal is resting in the shade, no one is allowed to drive it away and take its place in the shade. Similarly, driving game out of the sanctuary to hunt it outside is forbidden and unlawful.”
He also remarked: “The Prophet (PBUH) taught that we should avoid hunting animals unless out of necessity. While hunting is permissible, it should not be done without need or for mere recreation. Cutting trees is allowed, but cutting green trees and destroying nature is inappropriate.”

The Prophet (PBUH) Was Sent to Perfect the Project of Morality
Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) possessed a gentle nature and exemplary morals. While all prophets taught morality to people, the Prophet (PBUH) was sent to complete this project. He embodied noble ethics and successfully implemented these virtues in his life and society, guiding the community toward superior morals, correct beliefs, and enlightened decrees.”
He continued: “Those who consider themselves Muslims and followers of the Prophet (PBUH) only become true believers and Muslims when they adopt his morals, methods, and character.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid explained: “The Prophet (PBUH) introduced a comprehensive program for human life from birth to death. Train children according to their talents and abilities so that they recognize Allah, start life in His name, and leave this world with the name of Allah and the word of monotheism, keeping Him in mind throughout their lives.”
He added: “In the Battle of Badr, the companions obeyed the Prophet (PBUH), and Allah granted victory to their group of 313 over a thousand-strong, well-armed enemy. However, in the Battle of Uhud, a group of archers disobeyed the Prophet (PBUH), leading to defeat. In today’s world, if a similar situation occurred, those responsible for the loss might have been harshly punished. But the Prophet (PBUH) remained completely silent and refrained from even reproaching them. Later, not only did he forgive their mistakes, but he also continued consulting them in matters.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan said: “When Labid ibn A’sam and his children, who were Jews, cast a spell on the Prophet (PBUH), causing him distress for six months, the Prophet (PBUH) did not permit anyone to retaliate against them or even show resentment. This reflects his exemplary morals.”
He continued: “When Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the leader of the hypocrites, passed away, his sincere Muslim son requested the Prophet (PBUH) to perform the funeral prayer for his father and provide his blessed garment for burial, hoping to protect him from punishment. The Prophet (PBUH) fulfilled both requests. Witnessing this, many hypocrites were moved, repented, and embraced faith.”

All People, Especially Leaders and Scholars, Must Show Compassion and Mercy
Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized: “Compassion is essential for everyone, especially for leaders, officials, scholars, and those in positions of authority and responsibility. All of us must embody compassion, as it is a fundamental aspect of the Prophet’s (PBUH) character.”
He added: “A leader must have good morals and show mercy to their people. A true elder or leader is one who models their behavior after the Prophet (PBUH). Show compassion to everyone and wish for their well-being, particularly believers who share many common values with us. Encourage people to pray, give charity, help the needy, and care for orphans. Such acts bring down Allah’s mercy and increase His blessings upon us.”

A Society Achieves Honor Through Knowledge
In another part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stressed the importance of “acquiring knowledge” and said: “Pay attention to the youth and children. Guide them toward science and education. Knowledge is crucial for the growth and progress of a nation.”
He emphasized: “Religion and knowledge are two great honors for a nation. A society achieves dignity and becomes beneficial to others when it possesses knowledge. Teach children both modern and religious sciences, as our community needs both.”