Addressing the People’s Problems and Saving the Country Through “New Policies and Mechanisms” Is a “Religious Obligation” for Officials

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, in his Friday sermon in Zahedan (October 17, 2025), referred to the country’s and the region’s sensitive situation, calling “a change in policies” and the “introduction of new mechanisms” by officials to resolve national crises and challenges a religious duty.

Policies and Programs Must Be Aligned With the New Circumstances
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“The world is going through a new phase that demands new mechanisms and policies. Those who are in charge of the country, as well as managers, thinkers, and all social groups, must adapt their policies, approaches, statements, and programs to the needs and realities of the time.”
He added: “The recent wars and conflicts and the rapid changes that followed have proven that war is not a solution. Modern wars—where advanced weapons and technologies are used—are extremely destructive, dangerous, and harmful to humanity, society, and the region.”

Instead of ‘Arms Races’ and ‘Beating the Drums of War,’ Adopt ‘New Mechanisms and Policies’
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized:
“Today, the country is in a new situation, and it would be wise for officials to move forward with new mechanisms and policies rather than competing in armament and promoting war.”
He remarked: “While years of sanctions have severely damaged people’s livelihoods, leading to heavy financial losses and widespread hardship, unfortunately no one listens to the cries and pleas of the people—everyone follows their own path. This nation of over eighty million needs water, bread, and a decent life. Their children need education and marriage, their patients need treatment, and they face countless needs and hardships across all aspects of life.”

Address the ‘Economic Protests’ of Various Social Groups
He continued:
“Every day there are protests over livelihoods—by retirees, teachers, nurses, workers, and other groups. The funds and banks are on the brink of bankruptcy, and people are protesting. Hear their voices. Listen to the voices of those imprisoned for protests, and respond to all these grievances and demands, so that the satisfaction of both God and the nation may be attained.”

The Best Way to Save the Country Is ‘to Join a Fair and Reasonable Peace’
Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“I consider it a religious obligation for the country’s officials and leaders to think about a new mechanism. The best path forward is for the government to join peace—to pursue a relatively fair and just peace. We must all think about peace in the Middle East and across the world so that humanity can live in tranquility.”
He added:
“Today, the people have neither livelihood nor money; due to currency fluctuations and changing circumstances, trade has collapsed, and the new sanctions on the way will be devastating. Under such conditions, it is incumbent upon every government to prioritize its own people. Think about Iran and its nation—that is where God’s satisfaction lies. Protect your own house first, and invest all resources in this nation.”

Insisting on One Position Does Not Work in Politics; ‘New Political Tactics’ Must Be Employed
The Friday Imam of Zahedan further stressed:
“I wish the officials would heed my advice and that of others—not to think about weapons at all, especially considering the global sensitivities that have emerged against our country. They should first work to reduce these sensitivities. It would serve the interests of the nation, the country, and the leadership to understand and resolve these international concerns.”
Addressing the negotiation process, he said:
“In negotiations, take one or two steps back so that you may move two or three steps forward later. One must not always insist on a single stance or statement—this approach does not work in the field of politics. There must always be a fresh perspective and the use of new political tactics.”

Bring Change to Policies and Consult with “Elites and Political Experts” to Save the Nation and Country
Rescuing the Country through Policy Change is Both a “Religious and Political Duty”
Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“Introduce change into the country’s policies. Consult with others; if you seek advice from prisoners and other thinkers both inside and outside the country, you will not fall short. Instead of consulting military figures on political matters, seek counsel from wise people, intellectuals, and political experts to save the country from these crises, challenges, and threats.”
He emphasized: “It is a religious, political, and customary duty for the authorities to save the country from war through political means. War does not only mean military attack; economic offensives and sanctions are also forms of war. It is the responsibility of the government and leadership to protect the nation from such wars by changing policies.”

The “Citizenship Rights” of All Iranians Must Be Respected
The Friday Imam of Zahedan continued:
“It is the demand of the people that officials respect the freedoms and rights of all ethnic groups, sects, and classes of society, and that justice be implemented for women and men, and for all Iranian ethnicities, sects, and religions. Everyone living in Iran has citizenship rights, and no violation of these rights should occur.”

“Forced Confessions” Are Prohibited and Invalid in Religious Law, National Law, and International Law
Mawlana Abdolhamid further said:
“These days, some prisoners have gone on hunger strike, demanding an end to forced confessions. Forced confession is prohibited, rejected, and unacceptable according to Islamic law, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic, and international law.”
He added: “There is little difference between Islamic teachings and human rights principles concerning human dignity. Of course, in defining certain aspects of human rights, international laws differ from Islamic teachings—for example, they may include some prohibited acts harmful to society as part of personal freedom. However, Islam does not accept slander, insult, or disrespect toward others, because such behavior leads to discord, conflict, and division in society.”

Stop Executions; This Is the People’s Demand
Reaffirming his statement from the previous week about the need to halt executions, the Friday Imam of Zahedan said:
“I emphasize once again that officials must heed the people’s demand to stop executions. The people are hungry and struggling; those who voice these hardships should not face more suffering and harsh punishment.”

Officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan Must Avoid Tension and Conflict
In another part of his sermon, Mawlana Abdolhamid referred to the recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying:
“There are deep ethnic, familial, religious, cultural, and economic ties between the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
He stressed:
“The officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan must avoid tension. No country should violate another’s airspace or territory. I advise the leaders and politicians of Pakistan to observe these principles, and I urge the officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to exercise restraint, so that war and conflict may be prevented. The leaders of both countries should resolve their issues through dialogue.”

Palestinian and Israeli Sides Must Adhere to the Ceasefire Agreement
In the concluding part of his sermon, the Friday Imam of Zahedan called for both sides to honor the Gaza ceasefire agreement, saying:
“I emphasize that both our Palestinian brothers and the government of Israel must remain committed to the ceasefire agreement and the peace accord they have signed, and uphold all the terms to which they have agreed.”