The prominent Sunni leader in Iran called the recent nuclear agreement of Iran with the world’s powers a big achievement for the Iranian nation and government on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
Talking to thousands of Sunni worshippers in Zahedan on Eid al-Fitr day, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid expressed his views on different issues, including ‘nuclear agreement of Iran with the group 5+1’, ‘Iranian Sunnis’ problems for establishing prayers in metropolises,’ ‘promises of Dr. Rouhani’s government about religious and ethnic communities’, and ‘poverty and unemployment in Sistan-Baluchistan’.
According to reporters of “SunniOnline”, the official website of the Sunni community in Iran, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid called the nuclear deal ‘a big victory for the nation and government’ that has been obtained by the serious efforts of the president, negotiating team and support of the Supreme Leader.
He said, “Despite opposition of some elements inside and outside of the country, this important agreement was made. The world has recognized the right of Iran on nuclear technology and some of misconceptions were removed. The president brought his promises into action in this regard.”
Calling the opponents of the nuclear deal of Iran ‘extremists’ and added more, “Many of extremists in the US, Israel and even in Iran were opposing this agreement, but the government insisted and the circle of negotiations ended up with a good result.”
Sunnis’ religious freedoms must not be violated
Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan made it clear, “We think there are some extremist elements inside the official departments and the ruling body of the country; they create serious expenses for the regime. There are extremists inside and outside of Iran who do not see the facts of the world. Both Shias and Sunnis suffer from those fanatic elements.”
Mentioning the issue of Sunnis’ congregational prayers in the Iranian metropolises as an example of extremism, the rector of Darululoom Zahedan said, “Some extremists cannot tolerate Sunni worshipers in metropolises including Tehran as they do not allow them to offer Eid and Friday prayers inside houses and prayer rooms.”
“They [Sunnis] do not hold congregations in parks and other public places. So they do not need any official permission for establishing prayers. Their number does not exceed 300 so they should take permission, or face obstacles while presenting requests for it. Salah is not an illegal act,” he underlined.
He added more, “We would like to ask the Supreme Leader and president to not allow anyone to create obstacles for Sunni worshipers and violate their religious freedoms. Such pressures and limitations intensify religious fanaticism and pave the way for mutual enemies of us. The Muslim world suffers from extremism and serious problems which are the fruits of such narrow-mindness and violations of due rights.”
Dr. Rouhani hasn’t fulfilled his promises on sects
In another part of his speech, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid criticized the government of Dr. Hassan Rouhani for showing negligence in the case of religious and ethnic communities’ rights in Iran and said, “Unfortunately, due to the above-mentioned opposition of extremists, the ongoing government could not fulfil its promises about the ethnic and religious sects. Their capable individuals have not been employed in official departments and institutions. However, some positive steps have been taken in some provinces, but the Sunnis of Iran still expect to see their capable individuals in the cabinet, ministries and managements of various ministries.”
He emphasized, “It is expected, as the government insisted on the issue of the nuclear deal and the Supreme Leader supported, in the same way they resist in front of the opponents of the great issues of the country including due rights of Sunnis in Iran and their religious freedom. It would enhance the fraternity and approximation of Muslims. Iranian Sunnis can strive for the honor of their country in the Muslim world. We want independence and honor of our country.”
Addressing the Shia Ulama and the Sources of Imitation, the member of the supreme council of the MWL said, “I would like to call on Shia Ulama and Sources of Imitation to consider the ongoing critical situation of the Muslim world and guide the extremists who have no broad minds.”
Unemployment threatens Sistan-Baluchistan
Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan expressed his deep concerns on the high rate of unemployment in Sistan-Baluchistan province and said, “Unemployment of youth is a threat for Sistan-Baluchistan. We hope after getting rid of the sanctions, the government would pay an especial attention to this region.”
“Activation of borders and taking advantage of these markets can play a key role in the elimination of poverty in the province. There must be a comprehensive project to lower the rate of poverty and unemployment,” he underlined.
In another part of his speech before tens of thousands worshipers in Zahedan on Eid al-Fitr day, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid called on police authorities to be more careful on the lives of people and detain murderers and robbers who destabilize peace of people.
He concluded his points by asking Ulama to decrease the number of grand Masjids in the city as there are many grand Masjids without any legal excuse.