Stop the Executions; It Is in Your Interest Both in This World and the Hereafter

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, speaking today (April 18, 2025) at the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, referred to the increase in executions in recent weeks across the country and called for a “halt to executions,” stating that these executions “have no basis in the Qur’an and Sunnah.”

In Past Islamic Governments, Executions Were Not this Widespread
According to the official website of the Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid stated:
The rise in executions in the country, carried out for drug-related charges or ideological and political crimes, is a hot topic in the media these days. I have spoken on this matter before, and I emphasize that my words should not be interpreted as political, but scholarly.
Referring to the Qur’anic verse “Do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right”, he added: These executions lack Shariah-based justification in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and such actions are not found in the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the Rightly Guided Caliphs. The Prophet and Imam Ali—who are agreed upon by all Islamic schools—did not issue such rulings of “moharebeh” (waging war against God).
Now, people are labeled as “mohareb” or “corruptors on earth” simply for opposition or drug-related crimes, and they are executed—while these are extremely serious matters. Of course, qisas (retaliatory punishment) is a command of the Qur’an, and no one can object to its implementation.
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized: At no time in Islamic history have executions been as frequent as they are now. During the early Islamic period, the hypocrites attempted to assassinate the Prophet (peace be upon him) multiple times and committed other offenses against Muslims, but the Prophet never declared them mohareb or ordered their execution.
He didn’t kill a single prisoner from the Battle of Badr, and during the Conquest of Mecca—a major battle against the staunchest enemies of Islam—no one was killed except for one person who had murdered several camel herders and stolen camels. These examples show the Prophet (peace be upon him) exercised extreme caution in taking human life.
He continued: The Khawarij, known as the most extreme group in Islamic history, excommunicated Muslims and fought against Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), but even he did not execute any of the captured Khawarij.
When someone struck Imam Ali with a sword and Muslims wanted to kill the attacker, Imam Ali did not permit it and said: “As long as I am alive, you cannot retaliate; when I die, the guardians of my blood have the right to decide.” So if you want the justice of Ali, this is his justice.
He said: In battles like Jamal and Siffin among Muslims, or the Battle of Nahrawan against the Khawarij, people from both sides were killed. War has its own rulings, and killing on the battlefield is inevitable. But once someone is captured, the rulings of a prisoner apply to them—and a prisoner in jail is still a prisoner, and must be treated as such.

Executions Have NOT Prevented the Drug Trade
Mawlana Abdol Hamid emphasized: Authorities must reflect on this issue. The executions carried out for drug-related crimes have had no positive effect and have not stopped the buying and selling of drugs.
So why insist on enforcing a law that brings no benefit to society? The execution of individuals causes deep anxiety for their children, families, and relatives.

Reconsider YOUR Interpretations of the Qur’an and the Country’s Penal Laws
Mawlana Abdol Hamid added: The interpretations and legal conclusions drawn from the Qur’an need to be reconsidered. Mujtahids, scholars, and jurists can make mistakes in their reasoning from verses and hadiths.
According to Sunni belief, no one but the Prophet (peace be upon him) is infallible. The interpretations of the Companions, the Ahl al-Bayt, and other great scholars may contain errors.
The Friday Imam of Zahedan stated: When there is an error in interpretation or reasoning, it should be reviewed. Reconsider the penal laws of the country and stop the executions. This will benefit you both in this world and in the hereafter—and even from a governance standpoint, it is to your advantage.
It is true that many have been executed in this country over the years, and the number of executions is very high, but stopping them, no matter at what point, is in your best interest both here and in the afterlife.
He concluded: I am certain that those who are executed in this manner will confront you on the Day of Judgment. We cannot escape accountability with fatwas and rulings issued by individuals. Everyone will have to answer before Allah, the most Just of Judges.

We Welcome the Appointment of a Local Figure to Lead the Province’s Education Department
In the final part of his speech, Mawlana Abdol Hamid referred to the appointment of a Sunni Baloch individual as the Director General of Education in Sistan and Baluchestan, saying:
“Education and the appointment of a Director General of Education have been a concern for the public in the province, especially among teachers and educators. Praise be to Allah, Mr. Rasoul Safarzayi—one of our capable and worthy local sons—has been appointed to lead the province’s education department, and we welcome this appointment with optimism.”
He added: “Education plays a leading role in every society and is the most important demand of the people. We hope the new Director General of Education will move forward with careful planning, uphold justice and fairness, and help restore and properly guide the education system in the province.”