“Executions” Have Grave Consequences for the Country; Stop Them

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, in his Friday sermon in Zahedan today (October 10, 2025 / 18 Mehr 1404), criticized the continued implementation of the death penalty in the country, describing it as “contrary to the practice of the Prophet, the views of Imam Ali, and the consensus of the Muslim community.”
He stated that “Allah, the nation, and the world are displeased with the executions” and called for their immediate halt.
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan also expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire in Gaza and expressed hope that the people of Palestine would soon attain their rights and that an independent Palestinian state would be established in the near future.

In the Past, Tyrannical Governments Used “Executions” to Preserve Their Power
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid said:
“Execution is a phenomenon that, in the past, many despotic rulers and regimes used to preserve their power and suppress opponents. But today, when the world has changed and people are more aware, there is widespread opposition to executions across the globe.”

“Execution” Is Permissible Only in Limited Cases Such as “Qisas” (Retribution)
He added: “The death penalty is only permissible in very limited cases, such as Qisas (retribution). Many people in the world may even oppose Qisas, but Allah Almighty has allowed retribution for the killer and has declared that in Qisas there is life for you — meaning that when Qisas is implemented, the lives of others will be protected. However, Allah has also granted leniency: the family of the victim has the right to accept blood money or forgive the murderer instead of demanding retribution.”

The Death Penalty Contradicts the Practice of the Prophet, the View of Imam Ali, and the Consensus of Muslims
The Friday Imam of Zahedan continued, addressing the authorities:
“The death penalty, except in cases of Qisas, brings harm to the country. Although these executions are carried out based on certain interpretations of Qur’anic verses, such interpretations are inconsistent with the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the view of Imam Ali, and the general consensus of the Muslim community. During the time of the Prophet, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and Imam Ali, people were not labeled as ‘enemies of God’ (mohareb) and sentenced to death.”

If Only Officials Viewed “Executions” Through Our Lens, They Would Understand Their Consequences / Our View Is That Widespread Executions Are Among the Causes of the Country’s Problems
Mawlana Abdolhamid said: “I wish those officials who implement executions in the country could see this matter through the lens with which we look at the Qur’an. Our perspective differs from that of the authorities; we see certain divine and worldly consequences that arise from executing people who do not deserve death.”
He continued: “Based on what we perceive from the Qur’an and Hadith, our belief is that widespread executions are among the major causes of many of the country’s current crises and deadlocks — such as droughts, earthquakes, and global sanctions. Any act that displeases Allah Almighty and constitutes oppression in His sight will inevitably bring consequences upon nations and governments.”
He further stated: “Today our country faces sanctions from both the people of the earth and the people of the heavens. The intensifying international sanctions imposed on a nation already burdened with hardship are a sign of the earth’s disapproval, while the heavenly sanctions are evident in the severe water scarcity — even in regions that once enjoyed abundant water resources but now face acute drinking-water shortages.”

“Allah” and “The People” Are Displeased with Executions / Iranians and the World Consider These Executions “Political”
Mawlana Abdolhamid emphasized: “I speak these words with good intentions and out of concern, and I detest anyone seeking revenge through criticism. My view is that we must consider the facts; the reality is that Allah Almighty is displeased with the many executions carried out in the country, and the Iranian nation is also dissatisfied and concerned, raising their objections.”
He added: “The international community considers these executions ‘political’ and uses them to campaign against the country, claiming that Iranian officials kill their own citizens. Within the country as well, even executions carried out under the pretext of drug-related crimes are regarded as political. Similarly, the execution of opposing politicians is perceived as political.”

Stop Executions; This Benefits Both Your Worldly Life and Hereafter
Addressing the authorities, the Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stressed: “Stop the executions; this is in your own best interest for both this world and the Hereafter. Droughts and heavenly afflictions on the one hand, and domestic and international dissatisfaction on the other, demand that we first seek Allah’s pleasure and, in the political arena, adjust our policies to gain the approval of the world.”

The World Welcomes the Gaza Ceasefire / Hope for Palestinian Rights Soon
Mawlana Abdolhamid also referred to the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, stating: “The whole world is pleased with the ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Palestinian parties, which ends the highly destructive war and the tragic scenes in Gaza.”
He added: “Praise be to Allah, the ceasefire is in effect, and discussions on prisoner exchanges between the parties are underway. Throughout history, freedom-loving people have always considered dialogue the best solution, but unfortunately, these voices were ignored. Now that the ceasefire has been agreed upon, we hope that the oppressed people of Palestine will soon attain their rights, that the occupied lands will be returned to the Palestinians, and that an independent Palestinian state will be established.”

Kidnapping for Ransom Is a “Grave Crime”
Continuing his sermon, Mawlana Abdolhamid sharply criticized the rise of insecurity, theft, and kidnapping in the province, stating: “Poverty, hunger, and unemployment on one hand, and the lack of religious awareness among some people on the other, have caused some individuals to ignore Allah and the Hereafter and commit acts of insecurity, theft, and kidnapping.”
He emphasized: “Kidnapping someone for debt is condemned, but kidnapping for ransom or extortion is an extremely heinous and serious crime.”

Why Don’t Security Forces Pursue and Deal with Thieves and Kidnappers?!
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan criticized the inaction of agencies responsible for maintaining security, saying: “Perhaps compared to other provinces, Sistan and Baluchistan has a larger security presence, but we wonder why these forces do not identify, arrest, and take action against individuals and gangs committing theft, kidnapping, and extortion. Why must citizens feel unsafe regarding their lives and property? It is disgraceful that within the city, people can be taken hostage and held for ransom.”

The Provincial Security Council Must Ensure Citizens’ Safety
Mawlana Abdolhamid stated: “The duty of the Provincial Security Council, the judiciary, and the commanders under whose authority the forces operate is crucial in ensuring citizens’ security. Our request to elders and influential figures of every tribe is to not remain indifferent, but to consult and devise solutions so that individuals in their regions do not create safe havens for themselves and commit crimes. Scholars must also engage with the people and address these issues.”
He stressed: “The people of Zahedan and Sistan-Baluchistan expect that officials fulfill their duties in ensuring citizens’ security, and this is a reasonable demand.”