The official apology and condemnation by the authorities regarding the Bloody Friday tragedy is a “significant development”

On Friday, September 26th, 2025, during the Friday prayer sermon in Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid honored the martyrs of 8 Mehr (September 30th, 2022) and emphasized that the authorities’ apology and condemnation of the incident after three years marked “a major development.” He stressed that the memory of the victims’ oppression will forever remain alive and that the demand for justice and the eradication of discrimination will persist. Mawlana Abdolhamid further urged the government to address the country’s crises, combat poverty and inequality, and adopt prudent policies to overcome existing challenges.

Honoring the Martyrs of September 30th
According to the Office of the Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid began his sermon by recalling the tragic events of September 30th, stating:
“First and foremost, I must honor the blood of those martyrs who, on that day, attained martyrdom in and around this prayer ground. They had come for prayer, with their prayer rugs folded over their shoulders.”
He added:
“After their wrongful killing, the additional injustice was the false accusation that they were ‘separatists’ or ‘members of armed groups.’ Some of those responsible for this crime sought to attach such slanders in order to exonerate themselves.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan underlined that the truth was eventually revealed:
“Praise be to Allah, the reality became clear from here to Tehran. Even those who had initially received false reports realized that not only had these individuals been innocently killed, but false accusations had also been leveled against them. These accusations were an added injustice to evade responsibility for this crime. But, alhamdulillah, the truth became evident, and officials at both the national and provincial levels acknowledged that an injustice had been committed.”

The Course of Follow-ups, Protests, and Apologies
Mawlana Abdolhamid referred to the three-year efforts to uncover the truth and achieve justice:
“Some sought to resolve this issue through proposals such as offering blood money to the victims’ families. However, the families firmly stated that they would never accept compensation; they would only be satisfied when the perpetrators were punished, and the authorities formally condemned them.”
He continued:
“Two highly capable lawyers were appointed to represent the families of the martyrs. They argued with sound reasoning that anyone, from any institution or body, whose hands were stained with blood must be prosecuted.”
He explained further:
“Since the court had already issued certain rulings, sentencing some individuals to prison, many appeared in court claiming they had only fired into the air. Yet we knew this was false — the people had been directly targeted. Some fled out of fear of punishment, while those apprehended received prison sentences. The lawyers objected to these rulings, and we too voiced our objections from this very pulpit. The case remains open, and judicial proceedings are still ongoing.”
Regarding the recent apology by the authorities, Mawlana Abdolhamid clarified:
“In the recent program — which people have interpreted in different ways — the officials came to apologize. Initially, it was planned for the apology to take place here in the prayer ground, but some insisted it should be held in a government office, which we did not accept. They then pressed for it to be held in the presence of community elders, scholars, and colleagues.”
He added:
“They argued that since the prayer ground has no walls and the gathering would be held at night, security concerns made it preferable to hold the session inside the mosque. Considering this reasoning, we agreed. Thus, after three years, the authorities condemned this atrocity and issued an apology. In Iran, it is extremely rare for officials to admit to wrongdoing, so in our view, this was a significant event.”
He went on to note:
“The Governor of Sistan-Baluchistan, who exerted considerable efforts in this matter and attended the session at Makki Mosque along with a delegation of provincial officials, remarked that — in the Balochi expression — we have come to your ‘pattar’ (apology/goodwill). One of the local traditions in this region is to forgive in such situations. Indeed, in the past, during other grave tragedies and major incidents, the people of this land have chosen forgiveness.”

Emphasis on Fairness and Forgiveness Alongside the Pursuit of Justice
Welcoming the apology and the payment of compensation, Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“I have always believed that forgiveness is better than revenge. One of the virtues of the Baloch people has always been their spirit of forgiveness. Blood money was also paid, and even more than the customary amount. In addition, two plots of 200 square meters were given to the families of the martyrs and one plot to the wounded. Some families requested that their names not be mentioned in the case files, and many martyrs were buried quietly in villages without official authorization.”
He further remarked:
“If, in the case of the downed Ukrainian airplane, the authorities had at least apologized to the victims’ families and condemned the tragedy—as well as in other incidents that have occurred in the country—it would have been the best way to console the grieving. Whoever commits a crime or wrongdoing deserves to be blamed, and in this regard, officials and non-officials, personnel and non-personnel, are all equal.”

The Need to End Violence and Strengthen Security
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized:
“One of the reasons we wanted this issue resolved was the many negative effects it had left on the province. Many young people, driven by emotion, would lie in wait for security forces, and many were killed, saying this was in pursuit of the martyrs’ blood. Now that the matter has been addressed, one of its benefits is that security here may improve, so that no one blocks roads or kills others under the pretext of avenging the martyrs. Nonetheless, as long as we live, we will honor the memory of those martyrs.”
He added:
“Another important point is that the people of this province, both Shi’a and Sunni, are bound by family and tribal ties. Given that some of those who committed crimes during the Musalla tragedy were related to certain tribes and ethnic groups of the province, efforts were made to ensure that the negative consequences of this incident would not linger into the future, so that people may continue to live together with affection, and the danger of revenge would be eliminated.”

Justice, Freedom, and the Removal of Discrimination
Honoring the oppressed people of Gaza, Mawlana Abdolhamid declared:
“We seek justice. In our country, too, we demand fairness and freedom, and we call for the removal of all forms of discrimination—whether between men and women, among ethnicities, or among religious communities throughout the nation of Iran. We want equality and fraternity. It is our duty and responsibility to defend the rights of the people with fairness, even if it means sacrificing our own interests for the greater good of the nation.”
He emphasized that this pursuit is not limited to the martyrs of Bloody Friday:
“Let no one imagine that this demand pertains only to those martyrs. They are indeed dear to us, and the memory of their oppression will forever remain in our hearts, but this struggle for rights will continue until justice and equality prevail throughout the country.”

Warning of Economic Crises and the Need to Reform Policies
Expressing deep concern about the nation’s situation, Mawlana Abdolhamid remarked:
“Our country is facing multiple crises, and the people of Iran have lost all their life savings. A nation that lies upon a rich table of resources—how has it been reduced to such hardship? The people are hungry, suffering, and in distress. They have not been cared for as they should have been. The authorities must find a solution. Policies must be designed in such a way that crises are managed with wisdom and prudence.”

Emphasis on Fairness Even Toward Enemies
In conclusion, he stressed:
“We will never be unjust toward anyone, not even toward our enemies, for neither our Prophet nor our religion permits such conduct. Islam has taught us that enmity and hostility toward others must never lead us to act unjustly against them.”

“Islam is the Religion of Mercy, Justice, and Moderation”
In the opening part of his sermon at Zahedan’s Friday prayer on 4 Mehr 1404 (September 26, 2025), Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid described Islam as the “religion of mercy” and the “religion of justice and moderation,” warning against the consequences of any form of “excess or negligence” in religion.
According to the Office of the Friday Imam of Zahedan, after reciting the Qur’anic verse “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed” (al-Nahl: 90), Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“Allah the Almighty has established Islam as a balanced religion. All revealed faiths, in their time, were founded upon the middle path, free of extremism. In some earlier religions, however, certain strict rulings were prescribed for reforming people, disciplining wrongdoers, and guiding nations back to justice and righteousness. But Allah intended to correct people’s excesses and shortcomings, leading them to fairness and the straight way.”
He added:
“Since Islam is the final religion, after which no other law will come, it has been set entirely upon the path of justice. As the religion of Islam will remain until the Day of Resurrection and will never be abrogated, all of its rulings—those revealed during the final days of the Prophet’s blessed life—are founded upon justice and moderation. In them there is neither excess nor neglect.”

All Qur’anic Commands Spring from Fairness and Moderation
The preacher of Zahedan underlined:
“The verses of the Qur’an are full of wisdom, insight, and harmony with sound human nature. When these verses were recited to those who had previously received divine scripture, they heard the beauty of its words, expressions, and wise messages—and they fell down in prostration.”
He continued:
“The meanings, rulings, and commands of the Qur’an all originate from fairness, moderation, and the straight path. The People of the Book, who had prior knowledge of revelation and law, recognized this well; upon hearing the Qur’an, they could not restrain themselves, but bowed, prostrated, and wept. How beautiful and enlightening are the teachings and guidance of the Qur’an.”

Extremism Breeds Aversion to Religion
Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid further remarked:
“It is regrettable that today fear of religion has spread across the world. Opponents and enemies of faith frighten people away from the Qur’an and religion by fostering extremism among believers and politicians—so that people may come to hate religion. Yet extremism has no place in Islam. On the contrary, it breeds aversion to religion. And whatever causes people to despise religion is condemned, even if a Muslim himself is the cause. No one should make people hate religion.”
He added:
“The truth of religion must be presented exactly as it is. What the Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah have said—that is correct, not what we may add or subtract. What Allah and His Messenger taught lies upon justice, moderation, sound reason, and natural disposition. Unfortunately, some Muslims, by their own interpretations and commentaries, have themselves become a cause for fear and estrangement from religion.”

Misusing Religion is an Unforgivable Sin
Mawlana Abdolhamid warned:
“Some people have exploited the name of religion; they have eaten from it, gained power, and ruled in its name. This, in the sight of Allah, is among the gravest crimes and an unforgivable sin.”
He declared:
“Allah afflicts with the harshest punishment those who, like the hypocrites, fill their pockets under the banner of religion. Such people seized rank and authority through religion, killed others, violated rights, harmed the faith, betrayed its trust, and drove people away from religion. Allah will punish those who claim to be supporters of religion yet turn people against it.”
He concluded:
“Today, many malicious actors propagate the false claim that Islam is nothing but killing, terrorism, cruelty, and inhumanity—seeking thereby to repel people from the faith. These are hostile campaigns. We must not hand weapons to such malicious propagandists. Islam is the religion of justice, mercy, forgiveness, and selflessness.”

Islam is Easy; Treat People with Ease and Do Not Discourage Them
The Friday sermon in Zahedan continued: Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid said that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would instruct his military commanders, collectors of zakat, governors, and officials:
“Give people glad tidings of Paradise and Allah’s mercy. Proclaim to them Allah’s forgiveness, for Allah is Most Merciful. Whoever repents and fulfills the rights of Allah and the rights of others will be forgiven. Do not let people become hopeless regarding the vast mercy of their Lord, and do not drive them away from religion.”
He emphasized that Islam should be presented and interpreted as it truly is: a religion of mercy and compassion. Its commandments are easy and manageable. Therefore, people should be treated with leniency and not burdened unduly. Today, many have turned people away from religion through extremism and brutal killings, while others interpret prohibitions loosely to make them seem permissible. Unfortunately, both extremists and those who are overly lax exist among Muslims.

Allah Commands Justice and Benevolence and Forbids Oppression and Transgression
Mawlana Abdolhamid said:
“Allah commands every member of the Muslim community to act with justice and fairness. The path of the righteous and pious has always been the path of justice. Moreover, Allah commands not only justice but also benevolence—going beyond one’s strict rights, showing kindness, giving more than what is due to clients or debtors, and manifesting love and compassion toward people.”
He continued:
“Benevolence was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. He would often choose benevolence over strict justice. In his life, he pardoned those who wronged him. For example, he refrained from exposing sorcerers who had cast spells upon him. He never sought revenge against anyone who harmed him personally, though he never neglected the rights of Allah. In one instance, he instructed Usama ibn Zaid regarding a woman named Fatimah: even if she had committed theft, the prescribed punishment would have been applied. The rights of Allah are always upheld.”
The Imam added:
“When thieves steal people’s entire life savings, the implementation of divine law ensures that theft and corruption are eliminated, and security is established. Today, in Afghanistan, where foreign thieves used to roam freely, security has improved to the extent that cars are left outside at night without fear, and people feel safe. Allah forbids oppression, encroachment upon the honor, life, property, and rights of others.”

Bandits, Murderers, and Kidnappers Must Not Be Supported
Mawlana Abdolhamid strongly condemned the abhorrent practice of hostage-taking for ransom:
“Unfortunately, some irreligious people take others hostage to demand ransom. This is a grave injustice. Whoever considers such criminals as part of their tribe, family, or children and supports them becomes complicit in their wrongdoing and injustice.”
He continued:
“Allah addressed Prophet Nuh (Noah) regarding his son, who claimed to be ‘of his household,’ and said: ‘This son is rebellious and disobedient; he is not truly your offspring. O Noah, heed My guidance and do not follow the ignorant.’ Prophet Nuh pleaded for forgiveness, saying, ‘O Lord, if You do not forgive me, I would become among the wrongdoers.’ Hence, a disobedient and sinful child cannot be considered a righteous offspring. Those who commit murder, banditry, hostage-taking, or extortion dishonor their ancestors. Community elders must ensure that criminals—whether bandits, murderers, or kidnappers—do not enjoy familial protection. Everyone must oppose hostage-taking and killings.”