Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Shabbir Hassan Maysami, secretary-general of the Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan, has called for the resolution of differences between Yemen and Saudi Arabia through negotiation and mutual understanding.
Delivering his Friday prayer sermons at the Baqiyatullah Mosque in Karachi, Pakistan, Maysami said Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must play an effective role in facilitating dialogue between the parties and establishing peace in the region.
'Media Narratives Must Be Evaluated, Not Blindly Accepted'
In his second sermon, Maysami criticized certain policies of global powers toward regional developments, noting that understanding international issues requires a careful examination of the historical background, interests, and realities on the ground—rather than accepting analyses and narratives without research and evaluation.
Referring to slogans about human rights and democracy, he stressed the need to pay attention to the actual situation of people in war-torn regions, saying that human casualties, the suffering of civilians, and the problems caused by conflicts must not be ignored.
'Military Conflicts Harm Civilians Most'
Addressing the Yemen-Saudi conflict and its humanitarian consequences, the Pakistani cleric said information published in the media must be evaluated by examining the historical background and actual conditions of developments, and that no media narrative can be accepted without investigation.
He noted that military conflicts harm civilians—especially women and children—most of all, and that shortages of food, medicine, and other basic needs double the difficulties of their lives.
Maysami stressed: "The purpose of raising these issues is not unconditional support for one side of the conflict, but rather attention to the suffering of the victims and emphasis on the necessity of resolving differences based on the teachings of the Holy Quran."
'Quranic Teachings Demand Reconciliation'
Citing the teachings of Surah al-Hujurat on the necessity of reconciliation and peace among Muslim groups in dispute, the Karachi Friday prayer leader emphasized that disputes among Islamic countries must also be resolved through dialogue, negotiation, and mutual understanding.
Referring to the differences between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, he called for serious efforts to bring the parties' viewpoints closer and to pave the way for achieving a peaceful solution, stressing that dialogue and understanding must replace continued conflict.
Pakistan, OIC Urged to Strengthen Peace Efforts
Maysami called on the Pakistani government to play a constructive and effective role in reducing tensions and ending conflicts.
Emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire and end hostilities, he said these efforts must continue and pave the way for the parties to the conflict to sit at the negotiating table.
The secretary-general of the Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan also referred to the role of the OIC, stressing the necessity of the body fulfilling its responsibility in resolving disputes among Muslim countries and strengthening unity and solidarity in the Islamic world. He called for greater efforts by Islamic countries to reduce tensions and spread peace and understanding.
'Divine Piety, Repentance, and Patience Are the Path to Human Elevation'
In his first sermon, Maysami called on believers to observe divine piety, honor God's commands, and avoid sins, stating that divine piety is the path to happiness and salvation.
He emphasized the need to recognize divine blessings and use them properly, saying God grants blessings to His creatures according to their needs—not because they inherently deserve them, but out of His grace, generosity, and infinite mercy.
"True gratitude is not only verbal; it is reflected in how blessings are used and in adherence to divine commands," he said.
'Doors of Repentance Always Open'
Maysami stressed the importance of repentance and returning to God, saying that if a person commits a sin and recognizes their mistake, they must immediately return to God and take action to compensate for their error, for God loves those who repent.
He noted that repentance is not limited to heartfelt regret; if a person has violated another's rights or taken their property, they must return it to its owner and seek their satisfaction. "Compensating for violated rights is among the requirements of true repentance," he said.
'Trials Are Opportunities for Spiritual Growth'
Addressing divine trials, the Karachi Friday prayer leader said tests are an inseparable part of human life. Just as people face examinations in education, employment, and various responsibilities, God tests humans in different life circumstances.
Citing Quranic verses about God testing humans through fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, lives, and crops, he noted that God gives glad tidings to the patient in these same verses. Therefore, difficulties and hardships, if faced properly, can provide the ground for spiritual growth, elevation of human ranks, and greater closeness to the Lord.
'Do Not Look Down on Sinners'
Maysami emphasized the need to reform social behaviors, saying a sinner must not be viewed with contempt or have the path of repentance and reform closed to them. Rather, every person, alongside striving to reform themselves, must also pave the way for the reform of others.
Citing a narration about Prophet Moses (AS) seeking rain and the repentance of a sinner among the Children of Israel, he emphasized the vastness of divine mercy and the importance of preserving people's dignity.
He noted that God covers the faults of His servants; therefore, humans must also preserve the dignity and honor of others and avoid exposing their faults.
In conclusion, Maysami emphasized the connection between piety, repentance, patience, and behavioral reform, calling on believers to make proper use of divine blessings, hope for God's mercy, avoid sin, and observe the rights and dignity of others.
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