Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, while addressing an Isteqbal-e-Ramazan conference at Budgam attended by prominent ulema, imams, and khateebs—including Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi and Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam—said that the blessed month of Ramazan presents a significant opportunity for religious scholars and preachers.
He noted that during this sacred month, people—especially the youth—turn towards the mosques in large numbers, seeking spiritual guidance and a stronger connection with their faith.
Mirwaiz emphasized that the message from the pulpits should focus on strengthening one’s relationship with Allah (SWT), character building, moral refinement, and fostering unity within the Ummah. He urged the ulema to address pressing social issues with wisdom and compassion, guiding society towards reform, responsibility, and mutual respect.
He said that Ramazan is arriving at a time when the Muslim world is facing serious challenges. Referring to the continuing injustice in Palestine and the difficult situations in Iran and Yemen, he described the suffering of Muslims across regions as deeply distressing. He added that Muslims in the country are also passing through a sensitive and testing period amid rising communal polarization and circumstances that have caused anxiety and insecurity within sections of the community.
Mirwaiz expressed serious concern over the profiling of mosques and termed it an unwarranted interference in religious matters. He, along with other participating ulema, called for an immediate halt to such actions and urged that religious institutions be allowed to function freely and with dignity.
He further expressed hope that during this holy month there will be no interference in religious affairs and that the authorities will respect and uphold the religious rights of the people, particularly ensuring that places of worship, including the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, function without any obstruction. A memorandum to this effect was also jointly adopted by the participating ulema.
He concluded by urging the ulema and imams to utilize this blessed month to inspire hope, resilience, unity, and spiritual awakening among the people.
