Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday appealed to people to support social reform initiatives adopted by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz said Muslim scholars from different regions and schools of thought had discussed several social concerns at a recent ulema conference.
These included drug addiction, suicides and emotional distress among youth, misuse of social media, weakening family ties, environmental degradation and the need to strengthen social harmony.
Common Khutbah Once a Month
Mirwaiz said participating mosques and imambaras would take up a common social issue during Friday sermons once a month or once every month and a half.
“Additionally, we decided to pick a Friday, once a month or once in a month and a half, when one khutbah will be delivered in all khanqahs, masjids and imambaras on one particular issue,” he said.
He said the initiative would focus on creating awareness about social responsibilities and urged ulema, parents, youth, mosque and mohalla committees, madrasas and religious schools to participate.
The initiative will address issues such as drug addiction, suicide, breakdown of marriages, social media misuse and environmental challenges.
Mirwaiz said conferences and resolutions alone could not bring meaningful change unless people became part of the process.
“Collectively, we have to think, reflect and act. Ulema, parents, youth, mosques, madrasas and the wider community have a role to play,” he said.
He also described the Mimbar, or pulpit, as an Amanah and said it should be used to guide people, promote mutual respect and address social concerns rather than deepen sectarian divisions.
Mirwaiz Invites Iranian Leaders to Kashmir
Mirwaiz also spoke about his recent meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
He said he conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and discussed the historical, cultural and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran.
Mirwaiz said the Iranian leadership had expressed interest in visiting Kashmir and that he had extended an invitation to them.
He also called for issues to be resolved through dialogue.
Prayers for Global Peace
Special prayers were offered at the Jama Masjid for peace and an end to suffering in conflict-affected regions, including Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen and Ukraine.
The congregation prayed for mercy, justice and relief for civilians affected by war and violence.
