Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has criticized the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board’s recent directive requiring mutawalis (custodians of Waqf properties) to seek approval before delivering Friday sermons. He labelled the move as a violation of religious freedoms and an encroachment on the rights of the Muslim community.
“The BJP-ruled state’s demand that mutawalis seek consent from the state-appointed Waqf head before delivering sermons is a direct attack on the religious rights and freedom of the Muslim community,” Mirwaiz stated in a post on.
“This directive is beyond the jurisdiction of any Waqf Board and exposes the real motive behind the Waqf Amendment Bill brought to Parliament by BJP. State control of religious rights and affairs is completely unacceptable and will be strongly opposed by Muslims.”
The Mirwaiz extended his support to Asaduddin Owaisi and others who are challenging the directive and other such measures. He also expressed concern over the communal rhetoric propagated during various states’ election campaigns.
“The cruel and vicious no-holds-barred communal narrative propagated against Muslims in states going to elections through speeches and advertisements further increases the insecurities and alienation of the Muslim-majority people of J&K and the worry for their future,” he added.
