Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam has objected to the Waqf authorities’ reported decision to prescribe topics for Friday sermons, asserting that religious pulpits must remain independent of political messaging.
In a statement issued here, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said Friday sermons were an essential component of Islamic guidance and should be delivered in accordance with Shariah, Islamic principles and the religious responsibilities of Imams and Khateebs.
He said decisions concerning the content of religious sermons required careful consideration and consultation with established Islamic authorities.
Emphasising the independence of religious institutions, the Grand Mufti maintained that religious teachings should not be used to advance the interests of any political party or organisation. He stressed that the sanctity of the pulpit must be protected.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi also said the Waqf’s administrative responsibilities did not confer unrestricted authority to determine religious discourse.
“We will not remain silent when matters of Shariah and religious autonomy are affected by decisions taken without adequate consultation,” he said.
He added that the pulpit should remain a source of spiritual guidance, moral responsibility and service to humanity rather than becoming a platform for political messaging.
