India and Pakistan Should Resolve Their Issues Through Dialogue and Diplomacy

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, today (May 9th, 2025), in the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, referring to the recent tensions and clashes between India and Pakistan, warned of the consequences of a potential “major war” between these two neighboring countries and urged the authorities of India and Pakistan to address their problems and issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

A War Between India and Pakistan Would Be Highly Destructive; The Leaders Must Prevent a “Major War”
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“Recently, clashes have erupted between India and Pakistan. These two neighboring nations share many commonalities, including language and kinship ties. Both countries possess strong military forces and nuclear capabilities. Therefore, tensions and conflict between them would be highly destructive and would carry grave consequences for the wealth and assets of their peoples.”
He added:
“War and conflict are not rational actions; they set nations and countries back, block progress and development, and claim human lives. The nations or actors provoking India and Pakistan do not seek the good or well-being of these countries but rather aim for the misery of their peoples. Therefore, the authorities of India and Pakistan must exercise wise leadership and not allow the conflicts to escalate into a large-scale war.”

World Nations Should Use Their Influence to Prevent the Escalation Between India and Pakistan
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized:
“The best and wisest approach is for the authorities of India and Pakistan to resolve their issues and problems through dialogue and diplomacy, avoiding emotional reactions and adopting foresight. Foresight and the resolution of issues through dialogue and negotiation are characteristics of wise individuals.”
He stressed:
“Other countries should use their influence and standing to mediate and prevent the escalation of war and conflict between India and Pakistan because the outbreak of war between these two nations — home to some of the world’s largest poor populations — would only lead to increased poverty and misery.”

The World’s Interests and Security Are Tied to the Middle East; We Call All Parties to Negotiation and Dialogue
Continuing his remarks at the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid expressed sorrow and concern over the “escalation of disputes and threats of war in the Middle East” and said:
“Unfortunately, in the Middle East, there are problems, disputes, and war threats that harm all countries and nations of the world and threaten the lives of all people.”
He stated:
“With its resources and wealth, the Middle East is one of the world’s exceptional regions, and the world’s interests are tied to the state of the Middle East. If the fire of war ignites in the Middle East, no one will feel safe anymore. Therefore, all Western, Eastern, and regional governments must not remain indifferent to this matter.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan said:
“Everyone must recognize that war, killing, destruction, and devastation are not solutions. War only breeds more war, and killings drive people to anger, terrorism, and insecurity. The best path is dialogue and reconciliation, which bring peace to the world. Therefore, we call all parties to negotiation and dialogue and warn against the destruction of lives and the destabilization of the region.”

A Just Resolution of the Palestinian Issue Is Key to Permanently Resolving Global Tensions
In the continuation of his remarks, Mawlana Abdolhamid considered a “just resolution of the Palestinian issue” as effective for the “permanent resolution of global tensions” and said:
“The conflict between Israel and Palestine is the root of all existing tensions worldwide, and the most important action that can permanently remove the tensions in the Middle East and the world is to justly resolve the Palestinian issue through dialogue and peaceful means. A fair resolution of the Palestinian issue is in the interests of Israel, Palestine, and the entire Middle East.”
He emphasized:
“If the U.S. Republicans and Mr. Trump want to become historic figures, they should resolve the Palestinian issue. If this issue is resolved, it will be as if the world’s problems have been resolved; but if the Palestinian issue remains unresolved, even if other problems are addressed, there will still be a risk that the existing conflict between Palestine and Israel will once again spread to other regions and reignite tensions.”

Israel Should Not Follow Hitler’s Path; This Path Will Tarnish the Jewish Nation’s Reputation in History
Mawlana Abdolhamid strongly criticized the ongoing killing of women and children in Palestine and said:
“The continued killing of women, children, the elderly, and defenseless individuals by Israel is a hateful act and is unacceptable to anyone.”
He added:
“These killings are harmful to Israel and the Jewish nation and will darken the history of Israel and the Jewish people. Hitler, by killing Jews and committing the ‘Holocaust,’ became infamous worldwide; Israel should not continue Hitler’s path.”
Killing Innocent People Is a “Major Religious and Intellectual Deviation”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized:
“Killing women, children, the elderly, and innocent people is a major religious and intellectual deviation. If a Muslim thinks they can advance their cause by killing innocent people, this is a deviation from Islam; and if a Jew or Christian holds such a belief, it is also a religious deviation.”
He added:
“In no religion, nation, or in any international or human law is it justified to kill women, children, and the elderly in wars. If a Muslim attacks women and children in war, or if a mufti issues a fatwa permitting such acts, they have deviated from the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), because there are clear hadiths prohibiting the killing of women and children in wars.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized:
“We hope that the United Nations, international bodies, and all Islamic and non-Islamic countries will cooperate to resolve the Palestinian issue and reduce tensions in the Middle East so that the world’s nations can live in peace.”

The Iranian Nation Seeks “De-escalation,” “Negotiation, Agreement, and Peace”
Mawlana Abdolhamid further emphasized the need for de-escalation and said:
“The countries of the world must pursue de-escalation in their policies. Experience has shown that creating tensions in the region leads to failure.”
He added:
“The Iranian nation is among those nations that desire peace and wishes peace and calm for the countries of the Middle East and the entire world. The Iranian people, of all ethnicities, sects, and social groups, favor negotiation, agreement, and peace, and they seek de-escalation. Therefore, it is expected that the authorities will make efforts to remove points of tension, and the world should know that the Iranian nation does not seek war with any country or nation.”
He continued:
“These days, the people of Iran are facing inflation, economic challenges, and severe livelihood difficulties. In this situation, both the government and the people must focus on solving the country’s problems and building Iran.”

Free Mamosta Loqman Amini
In the final part of his speech, Mawlana Abdolhamid called for the release of Mamosta Loqman Amini, one of the prominent Sunni scholars in Kurdistan province, and said:
“Mamosta Loqman Amini, one of the leading Friday Imams and scholars of Kurdistan, has recently been arrested, and this issue has raised concerns.”
He added:
“Our demand is that Mamosta Loqman Amini and other mamostas and scholars currently in detention be released. The best policy is to engage in dialogue and discussion with scholars and all those who voice criticisms, defend the rights of the people, and seek reforms.”

Hajj Is One Of The Main Pillars Of Islam And A Renewal Of The Covenant With The Almighty
Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, in the first part of his sermon at the Zahedan Friday prayer (May 9th, 2025), referring to the arrival of the Hajj season, described this significant act of worship as “a major pillar of Islam” and “a renewal of the covenant with the Almighty Lord.”

Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) Was A Perfect Lover And An Exceptional Human Being Who Prioritized God’s Pleasure Over Personal Interests / People Must Learn Faith, Trust, Love, And Obedience From Him
According to the official website of the Zahedan Friday Imam’s office, Mawlana Abdolhamid recited the verse:
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” [Hajj: 27]
He said: “These are the blessed days of Hajj. Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah are the months of Hajj. In the past, people often began their Hajj journey after Ramadan, and those who lived far started before Ramadan. At that time, Hajj demanded more sacrifice from the pilgrims, and in return, they valued the pilgrimage, the Kaaba, and the sacred symbols of God’s religion more deeply, with greater manners and reverence. Today, God Almighty has taken our weaknesses into account and has made Hajj easier and more facilitated.”
He continued: “That place is a legacy of God Almighty and His religion. Allah built the Kaaba through Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was the grandfather of many prophets. The talent, worthiness, sincerity, devotion to God, and prophethood that Allah placed in Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) were passed on to his children, and many prophets came from his lineage.”
He added: “This was a pure and worthy lineage filled with the love of God. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was a perfect lover of God. Love for God was complete in him. He obeyed every command of God and was never unsuccessful in obeying his Lord.”
He further stated: “Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim with the fire of Nimrod, but he said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs,’ and entered the fire with trust in God. He didn’t beg or plead, nor did he turn to angels — instead, he conveyed his need only to God. As a result, Allah saved him from the fire.”
He continued: “God granted him a son in old age. Following God’s command, he left his young wife and infant son in a barren desert with no water or provisions, where no one lived. He was ready to sacrifice his son and passed the knife over Ismail’s throat, but the knife did not cut, and the vision was fulfilled. Prophet Ibrahim was a perfect lover and a unique human being who placed his and his children’s interests beneath his obedience to God. These events are lessons for people to learn faith, trust, obedience, and love from Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).”

Mecca And Medina Are Cities Of Lovers, Devotees, And The Close Servants Of God
Mawlana Abdolhamid said: “Allah has placed the substance of love in human beings. If this love is directed toward wealth, status, and worldly gains, a person destroys themselves and harms others. But those whose hearts are filled with love for God neither destroy themselves for material things nor harm others. Instead, they sacrifice their lives, wealth, and comfort for God, even to the point of death.”
He added: “God has placed the signs and manifestations of devotion to Him — examples of divine love and longing — in Mecca and Medina. Mecca is the home of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar, Ismail, and other prophets. Medina is the home of the Messenger of God and his noble companions. Both cities are homes to the true lovers of God and His devoted, righteous servants.”

Whoever Longs To Travel To The Sacred Lands Must Remove Worldly Love From Their Heart
The Friday Imam of Zahedan stated: “These places hold immense value. Anyone who desires to travel to the land of the Two Holy Sanctuaries must remove the love of the world from their heart and bring in the love of God. They must know where they are going and why. They should remove all desires from their heart and keep only one desire — God and the return to Him. One should intend to repent and obey, and make this journey to seek forgiveness and make up for past shortcomings.”
He said: “Pilgrims and all people must know that a heart without the desire for God and love for Him is a dead heart. The hearts must be awakened, and the substance of love for God must be stirred. A heart becomes useless if it lacks devotion to Allah. Let us reflect on God’s blessings and kindness; this leads to love for God and seeking Him in the heart. If we are not careful, the natural attraction of the world will pull the substance of love toward itself, and God will be forgotten — this is the death of the heart and the death of the person. The love of Allah Almighty, the love of the Messenger of Allah, and the love of God’s devoted friends who sacrificed for His sake — these are the sources of true life.”

The Kaaba Is The Center Of Human Attention And A Symbol Of Love For God
Mawlana Abdolhamid added: “The Kaaba is the center of attention for humanity and a symbol of love for God. Allah Almighty placed there a special sign for repentance, loyalty, and renewing the covenant with God, so that those who repent in their homelands may go there to renew their repentance, love, and allegiance to Allah. It is a place of repentance and the acceptance of repentance. There, Allah established a unique form of worship — repentance — that is not permitted for any other symbol, shrine, or place of visitation. God instituted Hajj there as one of the core pillars of the religion and as a legacy of the great lover of God and close servant of the Almighty — Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). This is the tradition of Ibrahim.”
He added: “Pilgrims should reflect on this and pray that Allah grants them an accepted Hajj. Both voluntary and obligatory Hajj serve as a renewal of one’s covenant with God, a reconstruction of the self, and a source of life for all of humanity. The Kaaba belongs to all humankind and is a grand meeting place for the world. As long as worship and servitude continue there, Allah Almighty will not destroy the world, and the people of the world will carry on with their lives.”