Srinagar, Oct 13 : MLA Budgam Aga Muntazir Mehdi has strongly condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s decision to constitute a Core Committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to identify and finalise common topics for Friday sermons across Waqf-affiliated religious institutions, asserting that the Board must focus on its administrative responsibilities rather than seeking to influence religious discourse.
Reacting to the announcement by Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Mehdi questioned the rationale behind prescribing common themes for Friday sermons, arguing that religious scholars are fully capable of understanding their communities’ concerns and deciding what needs to be addressed from the pulpits.
“The Waqf Board’s job is to manage Waqf properties and institutions, not to dictate what Imams and Khateebs should propagate in their Friday sermons,” Muntazir said.
He expressed concern that the move, despite being presented as an effort to promote coordination, unity and social harmony, could pave the way for establishing a particular narrative through religious institutions. He maintained that Friday sermons are an important platform for religious guidance and for addressing the social, moral and community issues that matter to people.
“Imams and religious scholars do not need to be told what they should speak about every Friday. They understand their religious responsibilities and know the issues confronting their communities,” Muntazir said.
Mehdi also questioned the need for the Waqf Board to enter a domain that, in his view, should remain within the purview of religious scholars and established religious bodies. He pointed out that the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) already provides a platform for scholars to deliberate on religious matters and guide the community on issues of Islamic teachings and contemporary relevance.
“If the objective is to guide the community on religious matters, the role of established bodies of religious scholars cannot be overlooked. The Waqf Board should concentrate on its core responsibilities instead of attempting to shape the content of religious discourse,” he added.
While the Waqf Board has described the initiative as an effort to promote religious awareness, moral values, social harmony and unity, Mehdi’s objection centres on the distinction between administrative coordination and influence over religious expression.
He maintained that the management of Waqf institutions must remain the Board’s priority, with due respect for the independence, judgment and religious responsibilities of Imams, Khateebs and Islamic scholars.
“The fundamental question is simple, is the Waqf Board meant to manage religious institutions or decide what religious scholars should preach? Administrative authority should not be confused with authority over religious discourse,” he said.
