16 April, 1986
Azakhana Zahra, Karachi
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Allah the Almighty says:”I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.”
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11)
There is no doubt, and everyone is aware, that at this time, the Ja’fari community is going through extremely difficult phases all over the world, especially in Pakistan. You all know this issue. We must strive to resolve these trials and tribulations in Pakistan because Allah the Almighty has clearly stated: “Allah will not change the condition of a people…” If we sit waiting, expecting that Allah will send down Gabriel or another angel, or appoint a prophet, or that Shias from outside Pakistan will come to our aid and change our condition—then Allah says that if you remain in this expectation, then the Angel of Death (Azrael) will come and take you away in disgrace. If you wish to live here with dignity, do not wait for the descent of an angel or hope for someone else’s help, for Allah’s words are clear: “…until they change what is in themselves.” Unless you take action yourselves, nothing will change.
The Martyr’s Anguish
It pains me greatly to say that when I go on tours, the main objective is often neglected, and instead, delegations come to me with other issues, wasting my time—if not an hour, then at least half an hour—forcing me to clarify everywhere that we are neither Wahhabis nor at fault. We are the Shia of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS); we are not affiliated with anyone, nor have we come under any conspiracy. We complain about them, though we should not, because they are well-intentioned. They assume everyone is a Muslim, pious, trustworthy, and truthful. When someone speaks, they assume it may be good. Since I arrived in this gathering, tell me—what problem of mine have you resolved by raising this issue?
Now, only these two young men [one of them is the martyr Dr. Muhammad Ali Naqvi] are with me. Apart from them, no scholar, no lawyer, no one else is supporting me. And then you will talk and blame me for not doing anything! First, give me an organizational structure, then demand that I move my center to Lahore. When the convention was held in Bhakkar, I was crying because I had to solve Parachinar’s issues! You said there, “We will all work together to resolve Parachinar’s problems.” For God’s sake, tell me—have you ever worked for Parachinar’s issues? Here in Peshawar, at least I can share the grief of Parachinar’s oppressed elders, children, and women and help them against the injustices they face. But you want me to abandon the issues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well! If you had fulfilled your promise and cooperated fully with me, then whenever you said, “Go to Sindh” or “Go to such-and-such place,” I would have been ready to go immediately. But I have seen no effect of that promise.
The issue of Parachinar remains unresolved—just two days ago, our believers were killed there. The government has not acted on the agreement it made with us! You promised to solve Parachinar’s problems, but I have seen nothing so far. Now, I cannot be present in forty places like Amir al-Mu’minin (AS). I am just an ordinary human being—at most, I can contact you by phone or write a letter. Then you say no budget or money is needed—how will I stay informed about national issues and keep you informed? How will I go everywhere? When I left the village today, ask this young man how much money we had! Who will give me money in this situation? I have no salary, nothing. The salary I used to take from Jafaria Madrassa, I have stopped taking because if I am not serving there, why should I take money? So how will I solve these problems?
During my tours, except for two places, no one has helped us. In Mari Indus, the believers there supported us greatly, and in Quetta, the believers of Balochistan helped us. But everywhere else, no one has assisted us. Now tell me—which problem should I solve?
Then you pass resolutions here saying a convention should be held. If you go home and sleep, who will do all this? Obviously, all responsibility will fall on me. In that case, we shouldn’t even think about holding a convention. First, give me an organizational structure. Until you do, I will not allow anyone to speak—neither Minister Hussain Naqvi nor anyone else. You say here, “File claims through me,” but you don’t even attend our meetings. Out of 180 people, see how many are present today—how shameful! If you cannot give us time for meetings, how will you join us in a convention where there is a risk of bullets or other dangers?
On March 9, a meeting was held where those who attended promised to call us to certain places—but did any scholar, lawyer, or anyone else invite us? If I don’t go, you don’t go either. If I hadn’t gone myself, even what little has happened so far would not have happened.
The issue is that first, we must have a sense of responsibility. I believe in your sincerity—I do not doubt that you are sincere—but sincerity alone is not enough. You must also cooperate with us practically. Right now, give us an organizational structure; then we will move forward.
A Promise of Loyalty
Apart from this, I have many things in my heart—many grievances. But when you leave here, the gathering will end, and no problem will be solved. So I do not complain to anyone. I only say that perhaps I have committed grave sins, the weight of which has trapped me in this responsibility on the land of Bhakkar. Perhaps I have committed a major sin for which I am being tested. Nevertheless, from that very day, I decided that I would sacrifice my life for the protection of Ja’fari jurisprudence. Even if none of you cooperate with me, I will sacrifice my life alone for this community, and I will never go back on my promise.
Religious Duty
You must fulfill your religious duty. Regarding the speeches made here that may have hurt some colleagues’ feelings, I apologize to them, especially to Colonel Muhammad Khan, whom I did not know before. Since this disagreement began, he was the first to strive for unity, even inviting all of us. We have no doubt about Colonel Sahib’s sincerity. Everyone has the right to present their suggestions. By Allah’s will, we are neither overly emotional nor cowardly—we will first consider our religious duty and act in the interest of the Ja’fari community. If something is not in the community’s interest or if Islamic law does not permit it, I will never do it—even if the entire executive council votes in favor. I will only do what is religiously permissible and beneficial for the community.
Insha’Allah, regarding the announcement we made for the July 6 press conference, I did not set a specific time because I was considering all these issues. When they asked me, “When will you call a nationwide Shia convention?” I said I could not fix a date. Still, I said our organization is a public one—we act according to public expectations. Unless the public stands with us, we cannot take any step. Through these tours, we want to gain the trust of our community. Once these tours are complete and we have the full confidence of the people, then, Insha’Allah, we will call a convention. But that is another matter.
The Need for an Organizational Structure
We have no organizational structure, so I urge you—if you wish to cooperate with me, first give me an organizational framework. Until we are organized, nothing can be done. Unless an organizational structure is formed, no issue will reach the press, newspapers, or anyone else’s ears. So, in the end, I request you: Build an organizational structure.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah!
