Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Special prayers were offered at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday for peace and an end to the suffering and loss of innocent lives in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Ukraine and other conflict-affected parts of the world.
Addressing the Friday congregation, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq appealed to people to actively support and participate in the social reform initiatives recently adopted by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz said a recent Ulema conference brought together religious scholars from different regions and schools of thought to deliberate on pressing social concerns, including drug addiction, suicides and emotional distress among youth, misuse of social media, weakening family bonds and environmental degradation.
He said discussions and resolutions would have little impact unless people themselves became part of the reform process.
“The purpose of such initiatives is to turn concern and discussion into practical action within families, mosques, neighbourhoods and communities,” he said.
Quoting the Quranic verse, “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves,” Mirwaiz said meaningful social change must begin from within.
“Collectively, we have to think, reflect and act. Ulema, parents, youth, mosques, madrasas and the wider community all have a role to play,” he said, stressing that social reform should be treated as a shared responsibility.
He said common social concerns would also be addressed through Friday sermons in participating mosques to maintain sustained attention on issues confronting society.
Mirwaiz urged people to carry the discussion beyond mosques and into their homes and neighbourhoods, saying lasting change would require active participation from the wider community.
He also stressed the responsibility associated with the Mimbar, describing it as an Amanah, or sacred trust. He said it should be used to guide people, promote mutual respect and strengthen social unity rather than deepen sectarian divisions.
During his address, Mirwaiz also apprised the congregation of his recent interactions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
He said he conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran during the meetings and discussed the historical, cultural and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran.
According to Mirwaiz, the Iranian leadership expressed interest in visiting Kashmir, and he extended an invitation to them to visit the region.
At Jama Masjid, the congregation also prayed for peace, justice and relief for people affected by wars and conflicts across the world.
