Extremism Has Produced No Results in the Province and Country and Never Will; Only Moderation, Farsightedness, and Respecting the People Can Yield Results

Speaking at Friday prayers in Zahedan on August 14, 2026, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid referenced recent statements by a senior provincial official in Sistan and Baluchistan.
He stated that he leaves the judgment of those remarks to God and the people. Attributing the current issues in the province and the country to extremism, he emphasized that officials sent to Sistan and Baluchistan from the central government must be moderate, farsighted, acquainted with the local culture, and respectful of the dignity and standing of the people.
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan also stressed the urgent need to combat the rising wave of kidnappings for ransom for the third consecutive week. Describing the current scale of abductions as unprecedented in the region’s history, he issued a clear and stern warning to kidnappers and robbers.

God’s and the People’s Judgment Is Enough for Us / Gratitude for the Fair Reactions of the Public
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said: Following recent statements made by a provincial official, the general impression among the public was that those remarks were directed at this Friday prayer pulpit. I have said many times from this very pulpit that we respond to accusations and slander, but we do not respond to insults; we leave this matter to the judgment of Almighty God and the people.
Expressing appreciation for the public’s concern and reactions to the recent incident, he said: I express my gratitude and prayers for all the people—men and women, Shiites and Sunnis, both inside and outside the province—as well as scholars, elders, intellectuals, and citizens from all walks of life who expressed concern and formed a fair judgment on this matter.
He added: The judgment of God and the people is sufficient for me, and I do not deem it appropriate to defend myself or address personal issues from this pulpit. Our constant endeavor has been to live among and alongside the people. We have not violated anyone’s rights, nor have we insulted anyone. My criticism has always been constructive and accompanied by solutions.

An Appeal to the Public to Maintain Calm / Everyone Must Strive to Preserve Security
The prominent cleric continued: I advise and urge all of you, dear people, to maintain calm; because the country is undergoing special circumstances and the region needs peace. Everyone must work toward maintaining security. It is the people’s right to expect officials to fulfill their duties. Therefore, we await to see what decisions are made by the authorities in the capital, whose responsibility is the heaviest.

Officials Sent to Sistan and Baluchistan Must Be Farsighted, Familiar with Local Culture, and Avoid Undue Pressure on People
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid went on to state: Extremism has not yielded and will not yield any results in the province or the country. Many of the country’s problems stem from the extremism of certain individuals, and a major portion of its consequences impacts Sistan and Baluchistan, which is home to diverse ethnic, religious, and social fabrics.
He added: Shiites and Sunnis in Sistan and Baluchistan share close ties and familial bonds. Therefore, extremism will never work in this province; only moderation, wisdom, balance, foresight, and respect for the people will succeed. For this reason, I have previously requested that officials dispatched to this province be individuals capable of considering all aspects, exercising foresight, understanding the region’s culture, and refraining from imposing undue pressure on the public.

Those Who Torture Hostages for Ransom Devoid of Humanity
Addressing the issue of kidnappings during his Friday sermon in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said: Abducting people, ambushing on roads, mugging, demanding ransom, imprisoning individuals, and subjecting them to torture run contrary to the teachings of Islam and cause immense grief to everyone. When we see the cries of tortured hostages, whose photos or videos are sent to their families to extort large sums of money, we feel deeply saddened and alarmed. Those who commit such acts are not only far from being Muslims, but they also lack basic humanity.

Current Scale of Kidnappings Unprecedented in Regional History / Highlighting the Issues Aims to Defend People’s Rights; Those Raising These Matters Deserve Thanks
The Friday prayer leader of Zahedan further noted: The widespread kidnappings taking place these days are unprecedented in the history of the region. Such incidents did not occur during the monarchy, under tribal governance, nor since the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
He added: When we speak out to preserve security and uphold people’s rights, we have no other motive than defending the rights of the public, which is an Islamic, legal, and human right. It is the people’s right to be heard and to have their grievances addressed; this provides solace to the public. Anyone who brings these issues to light deserves gratitude.

All Groups and Tribes in the Province Agree on Ending Kidnappings and Freeing Hostages
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid said: In addressing the phenomenon of kidnapping and safeguarding public security, I did not address a specific institution or authority alone. Rather, I called upon all officials to use their legal authority, resources, and equipment to intervene, pursue, and arrest kidnappers. Furthermore, I sternly addressed religious scholars and tribal elders, stating that anyone who supports a kidnapper betrays both religion and the nation.
He added: In meetings with various tribes this week, I again emphasized the necessity of confronting kidnapping. Tribal elders fully agree to warn criminals and abductors within their respective tribes to release the hostages, repent from this evil act, and seek a halal livelihood.

No One Will Attend the Funeral Prayers of Kidnappers
Issuing a direct warning to abductors, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid declared: Today, I state clearly that if any kidnapper dies, neither I, nor other scholars, nor the general public will participate in his funeral prayer. Those who mug and ambush on roads, kidnap people, or commit armed robbery are highwaymen; if they are killed, no one will attend their funeral prayers or visit their families to offer condolences.

Kidnappers and Robbers Must Free Hostages and Return Property, Otherwise Our Hands Will Rise toward the Heavens
Concluding his speech, the Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stated: I say to the kidnappers and robbers: if you are part of these people and hope for a bond with them, repent, free the hostages, and return the stolen property to its rightful owners; your dignity and respect lie in doing so. If you worry about your livelihood, I swear by God that He will provide for you. It is true that we criticize officials for the poor state of employment and the economy, but if someone truly seeks an honest livelihood, there are plenty of jobs and opportunities in society.
He concluded: Last week, we warned the kidnappers that if they did not release the hostages, we would pray against them. However, we remain hopeful that the hostages will be freed and the stolen goods returned to their owners. But if the kidnappers and robbers fail to do so and we lose hope, it is only natural that our hands and the hands of the people will be raised toward the heavens, and rest assured that God’s wrath will descend upon the oppressors.