He made this call on Sunday (23 November) while addressing the National Conference of Imams and Khatibs at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that under the leadership of imams and khatibs, a morally enriched and prosperous society can be built. He noted that without administering the country’s laws and policies in light of the Qur’an, establishing a humane society becomes difficult. From mosque management to committee formation—imams and khatibs should be consulted in every matter. He further stated that it is wrong to think that imams and khatibs are dependent on anyone’s favor.

In his words, “If the one who leads the prayer in the mosque also assumes leadership in society, only then will the path to true peace and liberation open.” He stressed that peace will not come without a Qur’an-based social order; no conventional techniques or gimmicks can resolve the current crisis. For that, returning to the path shown by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is essential.

He further mentioned that from birth to death, the role of imams in the lives of Muslims is immense. Therefore, major social views and decisions should also originate from the mosque’s pulpit (mimbar).